Consumer's
Resource Handbook
The White House
Office of the Special Assistant
for Consumer Affairs
and the
Environmental Protection Agency
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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Consumer:
The Consumer's Resource Handbook was designed
with one basic purpose in mind—to help American
consumers resolve their complaints about goods and
services both inside and outside of government quickly
and efficiently.
We recognize that many consumers do not take
advantage of the existing resources available to them
simply because they do not know what they are, or
where to find them. This Handbook was developed to
address that problem. It can help you find your way
through the maze of Federal, state and local agencies
and put you in touch with the right source for assistance.
We believe this Handbook will do more than help
individual consumers. It can provide assistance to
businesses and professionals who rely on satisfied
customers to do a better job. Solving consumer
problems benefits all of us, and the Consumer's
Resource Handbook should be a valuable resource tool
for every American.
Sincerely,
UNITED STATES
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20460
Dear Consumer:
I am pleased to make this Consumer's Resource
Handbook available to you. This impressive compilation of
information should provide invaluable help to all
consumers.
Those especially interested in matters pertaining to EPA
should note the following:
EPA
Consumer complaints and general inquiries
Public Information Center (PM-215)
EPA. Washington, D.C. 20460 (202) 755-0707
Requests for publications
Printing Management Office (PM-215)
EPA, Washington, D.C. 20460 (202) 755-0891
Citizen participation
Office of Public Awareness (A-107)
EPA. Washington, D.C. 20460 (202) 755-0700
Toxic Substances inquiries
Office of Toxic Substances (TS-799)
EPA. Washington, D.C. 20460 (202) 554-1404
800-424-9065
Douglas Costle
Administrator
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950R79020
Consumer's Resource Handbook
Published by
The White House
Office of the Special Assistant for Consumer Affairs
Esther Peterson
Special Assistant to the President
for Consumer Affairs
and
Director
U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs
Edited by
Midge Shubow, Director
Consumer Information Division
Prepared by
Anthony J. Anastasi
Gail Chipman
Charlotte Nyheim
Dan Rumelt
Special thanks to:
Cathy Floyd
Maggy Johnson
December 1979
Additional single copies of the Consumer's Resource Handbook may be obtained by writing the Consumer Information
Center, Dept. 532 G, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.
i
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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Consumer:
Every day I receive letters and phone calls from
consumers asking questions such as: What do I do if my
car dealer refuses to perform repairs that come under
my warranty? What are my rights if I get bumped from an
airplane? Is there a way to track down mail order
merchandise that was paid for but never delivered? How
can I select a safe toy for my four-year-old? Is there a
consumer protection office in my home town?
Where can you go to find the answers to these and
many other common consumer questions? I am
pleased to say that now you can turn to this Consumer's
Resource Handbook for help.
Consumers do have many resources available to
assist them, but often they just don't know how to find
them. Many of the problems and frustrations consumers
face stem from a lack of knowledge about where to go
for help. This booklet will help you to locate the best
sources of assistance and information offered by
businesses, industry groups, voluntary organizations,
government, labor organizations, and the media.
Today, we must be educated consumers. We cannot
afford to make purchases without information about all
the alternatives. Before handing over our hard-earned
dollars, we should all learn as much as we can about the
choices available to us. When buying a product or
service, we are all well-advised to remember the old
saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
cure." Use common sense and good judgment before
buying anything. Think first, investigate, be careful, and
deal only with reputable companies.
We hope the Consumer's Resource Handbook will
be a handy and valuable tool. Of course, we welcome
your comments and suggestions.
Sincerely,
Esther Peterson
Special Assistant to the
President for Consumer Affairs and
Director of the U.S. Office
of Consumer Affairs
II
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Table of Contents
Page
How To Use This Handbook iv
Section I: A Complaint Handling Primer
Handling Consumer Complaints 1
Sample "Complaint Letter" 3
Where To Go for Assistance 3
Section II: Federal Information and Services
Introduction 11
Listing of Topics 12
Topical Descriptions 16
Federal Regional Offices 49
Section III: Directory of State and Local Government Offices
Introduction 57
Listing of State and Local Offices 59
For More Information
Listing of Federal Information Centers Inside Back Cover
Note: Every effort has been made to assure that the names, addresses, phone numbers and office descriptions contained in
this publication are as accurate as possible. Because of new legislation or reorganizations implemented after this printing.
however, some of this information may no longer be current. Of particular note is the creation of the U.S. Department of
Education. The effects of this change on programs described and office locations were not known at the time of this printing, tt
is hoped that the offices described in this edition will be able to provide assistance, updated information and referrals.
Hi
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How To Use
This Handbook
The Consumer's Resource Handbook is intended to
help you locate the right source of assistance—from
both governmental and nongovernmental sources—for
satisfactorily resolving your problems with products and
services. The Handbook is also a directory of Federal
agencies, giving brief descriptions of the services and
information they offer. Additionally, the Handbook lists
state and local government offices, which often are the
best sources of help.
How It's Organized
SECTION I beginning on page 1 outlines steps you
can take to resolve consumer problems and highlights
the many offices and organizations—both
governmental and private—that consumers can contact
for assistance.
SECTION II beginning on page 11 lists and
describes Federal offices. These descriptions are
arranged by subject areas ranging from "Advertising" to
"Weights and Measures.' A key and legend system
explained at the beginning of this section makes it easy
to tell whether an agency handles consumer
complaints; only provides information; collects
consumer complaint data but will act only if the public
interest will be served, as in the case of an unsafe
product which may be recalled or banned; or if some
other agency or organization should be contacted.
Addresses and phone numbers of all listed offices are
given and toll-free phone numbers are printed in
bold-face type for each identification. Addresses and
phone numbers of Federal regional offices are listed
beginning on page 49. 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 in the Handbook
when they are the most appropriate offices to be
contacted for assistance.
SECTION III beginning on page 57 lists some 800
state and local offices where consumers can get help in
resolving problems. An introduction to this section
explains what these offices generally do and how
consumers can 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.
IV
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Section I
Handling Consumer
Complaints
An Ounce of Prevention ...
This section gives step-by-step information on how to
resolve consumer complaints. We don't feel it would be
complete, however, unless it contained some
information on how to avoid problems before they occur.
An ounce of prevention can save a pound of
aggravation.
Here are some questions to ask before making a
purchase or signing on the dotted line. View the
following as a "consumer checklist." If you are in doubt
when answering any of these questions, it would be
wise to look elsewhere in shopping for goods or
services.
G Does the advertiser promise more than the product
can reasonably deliver? Beware of claims that
seem too good to be true.
D Have you comparison shopped? A little time spent
comparing prices and quality for goods and
services can often save a lot of money and trouble.
G According to your local consumer protection
agency or Better Business Bureau, does the
company have a good track record for reliability?
Q If you are seeking professional assistance, have
you asked about fees, services, qualifications and
licenses?
Q Have you checked consumer product testing
magazines and other informative sources to see
how the experts rate the product you are
considering?
D Do you feel you are being pushed too fast to buy or
to sign a contract?
G Do you understand the contract and your full
obligation—finance charges, total price, and what
happens if you miss a payment or want to pay off in
advance? If necessary, take the contract home or
seek legal advice. Get any oral promises in writing.
G Is there a warranty? Does it cover parts and
labor—and for how long? Where do you have to
take the item for repair?
G What are the company's policies for complaint
handling?
Q Does the company give refunds?
Of course, once in a while even the most careful
shoppers find themselves buying products that don't
work right, services that don't serve well and merchants
and manufacturers who are less than enthusiastic about
resolving difficulties. However, most businesses
depend on satisfied customers to stay in business.
Reputable firms will make an honest effort to resolve
problems—but first you must let them know a problem
exists.
So, when consumer problems do arise—as they
will—don't just sit back and take it (or be taken); follow
the basic steps outlined on the following pages.
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... A Pound of Cure
If you are beset by defective products, shoddy repairs
or workmanship, or incompetent service, here's what
you can do:
Identify the problem and what you believe would be
a fair settlement of your complaint (i.e., your money
back, a repair, etc.); have documentation available to
substantiate your complaint (i.e., sales receipt, repair
order, warranty, cancelled check, etc.).
Go back to the person who sold you the item or
performed the service and calmly state the problem and
what action you would like taken. If this person is not
helpful, ask to see the supervisor or manager. Repeat
the complaint. Most problems are resolved at this level;
chances are yours will be too.
If you are not satisfied with the response don't
give up. If the company operates nationally or the
product is a national brand, write a letter to the president
or the consumer official of the company.
If you are not satisfied with the company's
response to your letter or never receive a response,
you may now wish to contact outside sources for help.
These include:
• Action Lines
• AFL-CIO Community Services
• Better Business Bureaus
• Consumer Action Panels
• Consumer Credit Counseling
• Federal Agencies
• Government Services
• Legal Aid and Legal Services
• Media Programs
• Pre-paid Legal Services
• Private Attorneys
• Private Consumer Organizations
• Public Interest Law Centers
• Small Claims Courts
• State Licensing Boards and Bureaus
• State/Local Consumer Offices
Details on these sources are included on the following
pages.
Sample "Complaint" Letter
Need the President's Name
and Address of the Firm?
• First check to see if the company has a local office. If it
does, call and ask for the name and address of its
national president. If there is no local listing, Standard &
Poor's Register of Corporations, Directors and
Executives is a good reference source which lists over
37,000 American business firms. The book can be
found in most libraries.
State Your Purchase
Name Product and Serial or
Model Number or Service
Include Date and Location
of Purchase: Other Details
State Problem
Give History of
the Problem
Ask for Satisfaction
Enclose Copies of
All Documents
Ask for Action Within
Reasonable Time
Include Your Address,
Work and Home
Phone Numbers
Keep Copies of Your Letter
and All Related Documents
and Information
Your Letter
• Include your name, address and home and work
phone numbers.
• Type your letter, If possible. If it is handwritten,
make sure it is neat and legible.
• Make it brief and to the point. Include all pertinent
facts (i.e., date of transaction, item involved, store) and
what you believe would be a fair and just settlement of
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Where To Go For Assistance
Have the Name of Product But Need
To Know the Manufacturer?
• The Thomas Registry lists thousands of products and
their manufacturers. This book can also be found in
many public libraries.
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Date
Appropriate Person
Company Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Company President:
•Last week I purchased (or had repaired) a (name of
product witrt serial or model number or service
performed). I made this purchass-atdocation. date and
ails of the transaction).
'Unfortunately, your product (or service) has not
performed satisfactorily (or the service was inadequate)
-because
Therefore, to solve the problem, I would appreciate your
r(here state the specific action you want). Enclosed are
-copies (copies—NOT originals) of my records
(receipts, guarantees, warranties, cancelled checks,
contracts, model and serial numbers, and any other
documents).
I am looking forward to your reply and resolution of my
problem, and will wait three weeks before seeking
third-party assistance. Contact me at the above address
or by phone atjhome and office numbers here).
Sincerely,
Your Name
the problem. Attach documentation to support your
case; be sure to send COPIES, not originals.
• Remember, the person reading your letter is not
personally responsible for your problem, BUT may be
responsible for resolving it. Therefore, avoid writing a
sarcastic, threatening, or angry letter; it may lessen your
chances of getting the complaint resolved.
• Keep a copy of the letter for your records.
State, County, and City
Consumer Offices
What They Are and What They Do:
If you are not satisfied with a company's response to
your complaint, a good place to go first with an inquiry or
a comolaint is to your local consumer office if there is
one in your area. Local consumer offices can be
particularly helpful since they can be contacted easily by
phone or in person, and are familiar with local
businesses and laws. Be sure to take all your sales slips,
other sales documents, and all correspondence with the
retailer and manufacturer when you call or visit your
local agency.
If there is no consumer office where you live, contact a
state consumer office. State consumer offices are set up
differently from state to state. Some states have a
separate department of consumer affairs; some others
have a consumer affairs office as part of the governor's
office or attorney general's office, or both. These offices
will either help you directly or refer you to the proper
agency for assistance.
If you have a consumer problem with a business
transaction occurring in a state other than where you
reside, you should contact the state where you
conducted your business, if possible.
Many state and local consumer offices have a large
selection of information and educational materials
available. In addition, many cities and counties have a
wide variety of other helpful community services,
including social, family, youth, handicapped, day care,
mental health, elderly, general health, recreation, family
planning, alcoholism, nutrition, income maintenance,
child support, food stamps and libraries.
How To Reach Them:
Beginning on page 59, you will find a listing of the state
and local consumer protection offices in your area. Also,
look in your phone book under your city, county, or state
government listings.
Occupational and Professional
Licensing Boards
What They Are:
If you have a problem with professional or occupational
services, you may be able to get help from a state
licensing or regulatory board. There are an estimated
1,500 state boards which license or register more than
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550 professions and occupations, including doctors,
nurses, accountants, pharmacists, funeral directors,
plumbers, electricians, auto repair facilities,
employment agencies, collection agencies, and
electronic repair facilities.
The licensing of professions and occupations was
started by state legislatures for the protection of the
public health, safety, and welfare—and to guard the
public from incompetency and fraud.
To be licensed, a professional must have a certain
amount of education and experience, and pass a test
which measures qualifications. Those occupations
which are registered by state boards usually do not have
competency or qualifications measured, but registrants
simply are granted a legal right to do business under the
laws and regulations which apply to their trade.
What They Do:
State boards set licensing standards; set rules and
regulations; prepare and conduct examinations; issue,
deny or revoke licenses; bring disciplinary actions; and
handle consumer complaints.
If you contact a state board for help, it will usually bring
your complaint to the attention of its licensee and it will
seek a satisfactory resolution to your problem. If
necessary, the board will conduct an investigation, and
take disciplinary action against the licensee in the form
of probation, or license suspension or revocation.
Many boards will also have consumer education
materials to help you in selecting a professional or
tradesperson.
How To Reach Them:
You can find out about a state licensing board by
contacting your local consumer office. Some boards
might also have regional offices in your area. Check
your local phone book under state government offices or
under professional listings. You can also ask
professionals or tradespersons about the board
responsible for their licensing or registration—in fact,
you should ask to see a license or registration before
you decide to use their services.
Better Business Bureaus (BBBs)
What They Are:
BBBs are non-profit organizations sponsored by private
businesses. There are 147 BBB locations across the
U.S. today, sponsored by local and national business.
While BBBs vary from place to place, most offer a
variety of basic services. These include: general
information on products or services, reliability reports,
background information on local businesses and
organizations, and records of companies' complaint
handling performances. Depending on the policy of the
individual BBB, it may or may not tell you the nature of
the complaint registered against a business, but all will
tell you if a complaint has been registered. BBBs accept
written complaints, and will contact a firm on your behalf.
What They Do:
BBBs attempt to settle consumer complaints against
local business firms. A BBB considers a consumer
complaint settled when:
1. The customer receives satisfaction.
2. The customer receives a reasonable
adjustment—in other words, gets what was paid
for.
3. The company provides proof that the customer's
demands are unreasonable or unwarranted.
The BBB does not: judge individual products or
brands, handle complaints concerning the prices of
goods or services, or give legal advice.
More than 100 of the 147 BBBs offer binding
arbitration to those who ask for it, and others are
beginning programs. Arbitration is a way for people to
settle a dispute by having an impartial person or board
(people who have nothing to gain or lose from the
decision) decide the outcome of the dispute. In
arbitration, parties are bound by the decision and it can
be enforced by the courts. Do not enter arbitration lightly
since you must follow the decision that is made.
BBBs also handle false advertising cases. Your local
BBB looks into local advertising, while the BBBs'
National Advertising Division (NAD) checks out
complaints about national advertising.
How To Reach Them:
To find a BBB, check your local phone book, local
consumer office, or library.
Media Programs
What They Are and What They Do:
More than 100 local newspapers in 48 states, plus
Washington, D.C., and 50 radio-TV stations in 28 states,
offer "Action" or "Hot Line" services where consumers
with problems can get help.
These news media often get successful results for
consumers because of their power and influence in
communities, and because the possibility of adverse
publicity may encourage an offending merchant or
business to take swifter action to resolve consumer
problems. Some Action Lines, however, may not be
able to handle every complaint received. They often
select the most severe problems, or those that are most
representative of a number of complaints.
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When your own personal efforts fail to produce the
desired results, keep these "Action" resources in mind.
"Call for Action" is one of the larger"Help" programs.
Staffed by 2,500 volunteers, and affiliated with radio and
TV stations around the country, "Call for Action" helps
more than 250,000 people annually. Trained volunteers
handle the calls and record information from anyone
with a consumer problem. The volunteers relay
complaints to the proper individuals, business people,
or public agencies and check back with you—usually in
about two weeks.
If you have been satisfied, the incident is closed. If
not, then "Call for Action" will intervene in your behalf. If
this step—which is often successful—still gets poor
results for you, then "Call for Action" will use its publicity
resources to turn public attention on the case.
How To Reach Them:
To use these services, check with your local
newspapers and radio-TV stations, or local library. A
listing of "Call for Action" services may be obtained by
contacting the Call for Action National Center, 575
Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022;
telephone (212) 355-5965. Also, most libraries should
have these services listed in both Help: The Useful
Almanac (published by Consumer News, Inc.) and
Consumer Complaint Guide (published by MacMillan
Publishing Co., Inc.).
Small Claims Courts
What They Are:
If you have a complaint that you have not been able to
resolve, consider going to small claims court. Small
claims courts can be a big help for consumers. Court
procedures are simple, inexpensive, quick and informal.
Court fees range from about $2 to $15, and you often get
your filing fee back if you win your case. Generally, you
won't need a lawyer. In fact, in some states, lawyers are
not permitted. If you do live in a state mat allows lawyers,
and the party you are suing brings one, don't be
frightened. The court is informal and most judges make
allowances for consumers who appear without lawyers.
But remember, just because the court is informal, the
ruling of the court must be followed, just like any other
court.
What They Do:
These courts, as the name suggests, are for small
claims. The maximum amounts that can be claimed or
awarded differ from court to court, from a low of $100 to
a high of $3,000, with an average maximum of around
$500.
When the party bringing the suit (the complainant;
wins the case, the party who lost (the defendant) often
will follow the court's decision without additional legal
action. Sometimes, however, losing parties will not obey
the decision and complainants will have trouble getting
what they are entitled to. In these cases, complainants
may go back to court and ask for the order to be
"enforced." This can be done in many ways, depending
on where you live. For example, the court may order
some of the defendant's property to be taken by law
enforcement officials and sold. Complainants will get
the money from the sale up to the amount they are
owed. Or, if the person who owes the money is on
salary, the court may order the defendants employer to
deduct some money from each paycheck and give it to
the winner of the law suit.
How To Reach Them:
Check your local phone book under your municipal,
county or state government headings for small claims
court listings. When you reach the court, ask the court
clerk how to use small claims court. Sit in on a small
claims court session before taking a case to court so you
become familiar with its operation.
Legal Aid and Legal Services
What They Are:
Legal Aid and Legal Services offices help people who
cannot afford to hire private lawyers, and who meet
financial eligibility requirements. There are more than
1,000 of these offices around the country, staffed by
lawyers, paralegals (people who have taken courses in
legal assistance) and law students. All offer free legal
services to those who qualify.
In some cities, both Legal Aid and Legal Services
offices are Federally funded. Legal Aid offices may also
be financed by state, local, or private funding, or by local
bar associations. The Legal Services Corporation,
located in Washington, O.C., is funded by the Federal
Government, and it, in turn, awards grants to local Legal
Services programs around the country.
Also, many law schools throughout the Nation
conduct law clinics, where students assist Legal Aid and
other lawyers as part of their training.
What They Do:
These offices give legal assistance with problems such
as landlord-tenant; credit; utilities; and family issues,
such as divorce and adoption. They also work on cases
involving social security, welfare, unemployment and
workers' compensation.
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Each office sets its own eligibility requirements based
on income and family size. Some are usually considered
automatically eligible—those living on fixed incomes
(i.e.. recipients of Social Security Disability (SSD),
Supplemental Security income (SSI), general welfare,
aid to families with dependent children (AFDC),
unemployed persons, and some retired individuals).
Eligibility is usually determined as soon as you
contact the office, since problems often require
immediate help.
Even if you have doubts about your eligibility for free
legal assistance, it's worth contacting an office to see if
you are eligible. If you are not eligible or the offices
involved cannot help with your problem for some other
reason, they will try to refer you to other sources of help.
How To Reach Them:
For more information, look under "Legal Aid" or "Legal
Services" in your local phone book, or phone your local
consumer office or courthouse. Also ask about the
nearest local college which conducts legal clinics.
Prepaid Legal Services
What They Are and What They Do:
Legal services are now available to more people
through prepaid legal plans—a form of insurance where
consumers, for a small monthly fee, receive certain
basic legal services. More than 2,000 plans are on file
with the Department of Labor.
Most plans provide broad coverage for routine
personal legal services, such as family matters
(including divorce, custody and adoption) real estate
sales or purchases and landlord-tenant matters;
consumer credit and debt problems; wills and probate;
misdemeanors; and traffic matters. Felony criminal
matters are often excluded. A typical plan costs $5 to $8
per month for family coverage.
The insurance industry has displayed an interest in
prepaid legal services and some companies, including
Blue Cross, are beginning to enter the field. Nationwide
Insurance Company and Midwest Mutual are marketing
prepaid plans and Prudential and Connecticut General
are also gearing up for coverage. Lumberman's
Mutual Casualty Company and Travelers Insurance
Company were offering plans in 1978. Other
companies, including Metropolitan Life Assurance
and Government Employees Insurance Company
(GEICO).are developing programs.
Consumer and labor organizations are supporting
prepaid legal services as an employee fringe benefit.
Both groups believe that basic legal services can be
provided at a reasonable rate on a broad basis.
How To Reach Them:
Check with your insurance company or insurance
agent, or your union or employer for further information.
Public Interest Law Centers
What They Are:
Public interest law centers are non-profit, tax-exempt
groups offering legal representation to consumers and
others who would not otherwise be represented before
Federal agencies or the courts.
There are nationally more than 100 public interest law
centers involved in consumer, minority, women's,
handicapped, low-income, and environmental issues.
What They Do:
Generally they do not handle individual cases; rather,
they represent the views of a number of citizens.
The centers participate in formal government
rulemaking proceedings and informally monitor
government activities. They do not rely solely on
lawyers to set policies for legal actions. Other
professionals, such as doctors, engineers, and
scientists, are asked for their advice.
How To Reach Them:
A national clearinghouse for public interest law firms is
operated by the Council of Public Interest Law, 1250
Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.
You may also consult your local consumer office,
phone book, or library.
Private Lawyers
What They Are:
Private lawyers are legal agents for clients in legal and
business transactions. Lawyers can manage your legal
affairs, give legal advice, and present your case in court.
What They Do:
Usually, they do not take cases that involve small sums
of money. These are better suited for small claims
courts.
How To Reach Them:
If you need help in finding a lawyer, check with the
Lawyer Referral Service of the American Bar
Association. The Service is listed in local phone books,
or you can contact the American Bar Association, 1155
E. 60th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637.
Since lawyers may now advertise, be sure to
comparison shop through directories or newspapers.
If you have a complaint or need further information,
contact your local or state bar association listed in your
telephone directory.
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Private Consumer Groups
What They Are:
Private consumer groups operate in all 50 states, at
local, state, and national levels.
In most cases, these groups are made up of individual
consumer members who join together to advocate
consumer interests. They are usually created and
staffed by volunteers, although some have paid staff
members.
What They Do:
Some consumer groups help individual consumers with
complaints. Other are dedicated to serving the broad
needs of special population groups such as the elderly,
women, minorities, low-income individuals and workers.
They represent consumers by using their groups to
focus consumer thought and energy on critical
consumer issues to bring about needed improvements
in the marketplace. Additionally, many provide
consumer education and information.
How To Reach Them:
For more information about consumer groups in your
area, (1) check with your state or local government
consumer office. Also contact your local United Way
and church organizations (Combined Jewish
Philanthropies, Catholic Charities, Council of Churches,
etc.); (2) newspaper reporters and columnists who
cover consumer issues will know of local organizations
and individuals you can contact and so will local elected
officials who have voiced their concern about consumer
problems. Remember, the organizations you are
looking for do not always have the word "consumer" in
their titles.
If you fail to discover a group locally, you can try the
national office of the Consumer Federation of America,
101214th Street, N.W., Washington, O.C. 20005, which
has a directory of state and local consumer
organizations available for $5.00; the National
Consumers League, 1028 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, O.C. 20036; or Ralph Nader's Public
Citizen, P.O. Box 19404, Washington, D.C. 20036.
Space does not permit us to list the numerous other
fine national, state, and local consumer organizations.
However, if you are unable to locate them through using
any of the above suggestions and would like a listing of
consumer organizations in your state, write to: Division
of Consumer Organizations, U.S. Office of Consumer
Affairs, Washington, O.C. 20201.
AFL-CIO Community Services
What They Are:
The American Federation of Labor-Congress of
Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) offers a number of
community services to its millions of union members
across the Nation. Two of these are consumer and debt
counseling.
What They Do:
Consumer counseling is provided to help union
members protect their savings and learn how to handle
consumer problems.
Consumer clinics giving assistance on specific
consumer problems which require legal or other forms
of guidance, are also available to some union members.
How To Find Them:
These counseling problems are not available in all areas
of the country. If there is an AFL-CIO Community
Services representative or a United Labor Agency in
your area, it will be listed in your local phone book. If you
are unable to locate an AFL-CIO program in your area,
write AFL-CIO Community Services Department, 815
16th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
Consumer Credit Counseling
Services
What They Are:
If you have problems budgeting your money, you may
want to consider seeking consumer credit counseling.
Many organizations, including credit unions, family
service centers and religious organizations, offer
consumer credit counseling services.
Another source of help is the Consumer Credit
Counseling Service (CCCS), sponsored by the National
Foundation for Consumer Credit, Inc., which is
supported by banks, credit card companies, finance
companies and other financial institutions. CCCS has
219 offices across the Nation, with services available in
all states except Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, and
Mississippi.
What They Do:
The CCCS counseling program provides
money-management techniques, debt payment plans.
and educational programs. There is no charge for
counseling advice. However, offices in some states do
make a small charge if a client asks the CCCS to handle
a debt-repayment plan. It's wise to ask about fees
before you request any services.
-------
Some Advice
Money problems often occur because of the "impulse
buying" of luxury items on credit without considering
whether payments can be made after paying for monthly
basic needs. All money problems are not caused by
mismanagement. Unexpected hospital expenses,
sudden sickness, or loss of a job may create a need for
financial counseling.
Some consumers have problems because of
constant overcharging with credit cards. CCCS advises
using credit cards as a last resort instead of the first
method of payment. Credit cards come in handy in
emergencies, or when cash is short. But, remember,
you must pay substantial interest on your charges if you
don't pay them off within the grace period.
CCCS also recommends contacting the creditor if you
can't make a payment on time so that other
arrangements can be worked out. It also advises
consumers to save part of their income, and to shop
around for credit terms. Don't automatically accept
credit terms where you buy a product. You may get a
better deal some place else.
Many credit unions, family service organizations, and
religious organizations provide similar credit counseling
services.
Whether you use CCCS, a family service credit
counselor, or any type of counseling service, always ask
in advance about fees. If you're already seeking credit
help, you don't need any extra, unforeseen bills to pay,
so be careful.
How To Reach Them:
Look in your local phone book for the Consumer Credit
Counseling Service or Credit Union League, or contact
your local consumer office or financial institution. Also,
local credit unions will provide information and referral.
Check to see if your employer, church, synagogue, or
civic organization has a credit union, or contact the
Credit Union National Association, P.O. Box 431,
Madison, Wisconsin 53701.
Industry Consumer Programs
Several industry associations can help you with
complaints or provide information. These associations
are formed by individual businesses in various
industries which join together to assist with business
problems and promote the industry. While they do not
handle consumer complaints, they usually offer
consumer information. Trade associations have been
established in just about every field of business and
consumer interest, and local, regional and national
groups number around 40,000.
How To Reach Them:
Check your library for a directory titled National Trade &
Professional Associations of the U.S. & Canada &
Labor Unions, published by Columbia Books, Inc.,
Room 601, 734 15th St., N.W., Washington, D.C.
20005.
Automobile, Furniture, and
Major Appliances
Consumer Action Panels
What They Are:
Consumer Action Panels (CAPs) are special offices
established by three industries to help solve problems
between consumers and industry members.
If you have problems with a car, furniture, or
appliances, you can turn to a CAP for help. But
remember, contacting a CAP is not the first step in
solving a consumer complaint
A CAP should be contacted only if you have been
unsuccessful in getting your complaint settled by the
retailer, dealer or manufacturer.
What They Do:
After receiving your complaint a CAP employee will ask
the manufacturer to reinvestigatethe problem and notify
the CAP of actions taken. If you are not satisfied with the
manufacturer's action, your case will be referred to the
action panel, which includes consumers and business
representatives. After hearing the facts of yourcase, the
panel will recommend the action a manufacturer or
retailer should take. Although manufacturers and
retailers are not legally required to accept panel
recommendations, they usually do.
AutoCAPs:
Automobile dealer associations have established about
20 AutoCAPs, across the United States. Approximately
20 auto dealer associations also handle car complaints
although they do not have CAPs or formal or regular
panels of decisionmakers.
To find out if there is an AutoCAP in your area, contact
the National Automobile Dealers Assocation (NADA),
8400 West Park Dr., McLean, Virginia 22101; phone
(703) 821-7070. Or contact your local Chamber of
Commerce or Better Business Bureau for the name of
the local or state automobile dealers association which
sponsors AutoCAPSs.
8
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Furniture CAP:
If you have a furniture complaint, contact the Furniture
Industry Consumer Advisory Panel's (FICAP) Director
of Consumer Affairs, Box 951, High Point, North
Carolina 27261; phone (919) 885-5065.
Major Appliance CAP:
Complaints involving major appliances should be sent
to the Chairman of the Major Appliance Consumer
Action Panel (MACAP), 20 N. Wacker Dr., Chicago,
Illinois 60606; phone (312) 984-5858.
Homeowner Protection Programs
What They Are:
Most builders provide new homeowners with a one-year
guarantee on building materials; workmanship; and
home accessories, such as refrigerators, stoves,
dishwashers and heating and air-conditioning
equipment.
Check out a plan offered by some builders. Called
HOW (Home Owners Warranty), it's the first 10-year
nationally-insured protection plan for new home buyers.
Your qualified HOW builder will give you the following
protections:
• For 10 years your home is protected against major
structural defects. (This is the builder's obligation for the
first two years. The next eight years are covered by a
national insurance plan.)
• During the first year your builder guarantees that
materials and workmanship meet HOWs Approved
Standards.
• During the second year your HOW builder
continues to be responsible for the wiring, piping and
duct work.
• And, during these first two years, the national
insurance coverage provided through HOW assumes
the builder's responsibilities to you if, for any reason, the
builder cannot or will not meet the warranty's
obligations.
The HOW program offers a built-in system for
complaint handling, assuring fair and inexpensive
settlement of disagreements through informal
conciliation.
If you should fail to reach an agreement, arbitration
will be arranged through the American Arbitration
Association or a similar body. The Home Owners
Warranty Agreement takes away none of your legal
rights. However, HOWs two-step system for complaint
handling aims to assure settlements that are as fair as
those obtained in a court of law while being less
time-consuming and costly.
Local and, in some cases, state Home Owners
Warranty Councils have been established throughout
the country. In order to determine if a HOW Council has
been established in your area, contact the local or state
home builders association nearest you. Or ask your
builder to investigate the HOW program in your area.
Securities Exchanges and Associations
What They Are:
National securities exchanges and associations are
membership organizations for securities brokers and
dealers and serve as market places for the trading of
securities. They are registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) and are responsible for
ensuring that their members comply with SEC rules and
their own rules. They are also responsible for
maintaining fair and orderly markets for the securities
traded. These organizations receive complaints from
individual investors about their members and about the
securities traded on their floors. They investigate these
complaints and, although they will not order settlement
of a complaint, they may discipline their members for
violations of rules or suspend trading in securities.
What They Do:
These organizations also offer arbitration facilities for
the purpose of providing a forum for an investor to
recover money damages from a broker. Claims of
$2,500 or less may be resolved by a single arbitrator
knowledgeable about securities laws. For larger claims.
panels of three or five arbitrators, some of whom are
associated with the securities industry, will decide
claims. An investor may retain counsel, but is not
required to do so.
How To Reach Them:
Correspondence or other documents from a broker will
often indicate the exchanges of which it is a member. If
not, ask the broker or check with the SEC. (See
"INVESTMENTS AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES"
in SECTION II.)
9
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10
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Introduction
Section II
SECTION II lists and describes the functions, services
and information available from Federal offices. These
descriptions are arranged by subject ranging from
"Advertising" to "Weights and Measures." The fol-
lowing key and legend system makes it easy to tell what
services and information are offered. Symbols are
placed next to the addresses and phone contacts given
for each office.
This symbol indicates that an office will
handle individual consumer
complaints.
This symbol indicates that consumers
could contact a Federal regional
office—instead of the Washington,
D.C. office—for the most efficient
service. Listings of regional offices are
found in this section beginning on
page 49.
This symbol shows that an office
collects complaint information from
consumers but will only act when a
broad public interest will be served, as
in the case of an unsafe product which
may be recalled or banned.
This symbol means that an agency
provides consumer information.
This symbol means that an office has a
toll-free "800" phone number. These
numbers are printed in bold-face type
for easy identification.
This symbol is used where consumer
"tips" are given, or where information
on consumer laws and rights is
provided. Tips are included under the
following headings in this Section. It is
these areas which cause the most
problems for consumers.
Advertising
Banking and Credit
Clothing and Fabrics
Drugs
Funerals
Housing
Investments
Mail Orders
Motor Vehicles
Transportation
Warranties
11
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Listing of Topics
Following is an alphabetical listing
of topics covered in SECTION II.
Entries printed in UPPER CASE or
CAPITAL letters are main subject
headings. Listings in Upper and Lower
case letters are sub-headings to be
found under the main subject headings
indicated. For example, if you want
to look up information on "Bicycles,"
you are referred to the headings
of "PRODUCT SAFETY" and
"TRANSPORTATION/Generai." This
tells you that information on bicycles
is given under the main heading of
"PRODUCT SAFETY" and under
the "General" sub-heading found
under the main heading of
"TRANSPORTATION."
ACTION
ADVERTISING
AGING
See Also: VETERANS; SOCIAL SECURITY;
HEALTH CARE
Air Conditioners
See: APPLIANCES
Air Travel
See: TRANSPORTATION/Air Routes and
Service
Air Safety
See: TRANSPORTATION/Air Safety
ALCOHOL
Alcoholism
See: ALCOHOL/Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse
See: VETERANS
ANIMALS/PETS
ANTITRUST
Apartments, Rental
See: HOUSING/Consumer Tips, Renting
APPLIANCES
Architectural Barriers
See: HANDICAPPED
Automobiles
See: MOTOR VEHICLES
B
BANKING and CREDIT
Basic Education Grants Program
See: EDUCATION
Bicycles
See: PRODUCT SAFETY
See: TRANSPORTATION/Generai
Billing Errors
See: BANKING and CREDIT/Consumer Tips,
Consumer Credit Laws
Blind
See: HANDICAPPED
Boats
See: TRANSPORTATION/Maritime, Ships
Bonds and Stocks
See: INVESTMENTS and BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES/Stocks and Bonds
Braille Books and Magazines
See: HANOICAPPED/Reading Materials for the
Blind and Physically Handicapped
Broadcasting
See: COMMUNICATIONS
Burials
See: FUNERALS
Bus and Rapid Rail Transit
See: TRANSPORTATION/Buses, Bus and
Rapid Rail Transit
BUSINESS
Business Management Assistance
See: INVESTMENTS and BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES
Business Ventures
See: INVESTMENTS.and.BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES
Cable Television
See: COMMUNICATIONS
Care Labeling
See: CLOTHING and FABRICS/Care Labeling
Carpooling
See: TRANSPORTATION/Generai
Cars
See: MOTOR VEHICLES
CETA (Comprehensive Employment
and Training Act)
See: EMPLOYMENT/Unemployment, Job
Training
Child Abuse
See: CHILDREN, YOUTH and FAMILIES
Child Restraints (In Automobiles)
See: TRANSPORTATION/Generai
CHILDREN, YOUTH and FAMILIES
Citizens Band Radio
See: COMMUNICATIONS
Citizens Band Radio Licensing
See: COMMUNICATIONS
CLOTHING AND FABRICS
Collection Practices
See: BANKING and CREDIT/Other: Debt
Collectors, Retail Stores, Finance
Companies, etc; Consumer Tips,
Consumer Credit Laws
Commercial Banks
See: BANKING and CREDIT
Commercials
See: COMMUNICATIONS
See: ADVERTISING
Commodity Futures Trading
See: INVESTMENTS and BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES/Commodity Futures
Trading
COMMUNICATIONS
Community Reinvestment Act
See: BANKING and CREDIT/Consumer Tips,
Consumer Credit Laws
Comprehensive Employment and
Training Act (CETA)
See: EMPLOYMENT/Unemployment/Job
Training
CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Consumer-Business Relations
See: BUSINESS/Business-Consumer Relations
Consumer Deputy Program
CONSUMER INFORMATION
Consumer Leasing Act
See: BANKING and CREDIT/Consumer Tips,
Consumer Credit Laws
Consumer Price Index (CPI)
See: ECONOMY/Cost of Living.
Employment/Unemployment and
Occupations
CONSUMERS' EDUCATION
Contagious Diseases
See: HEALTH CARE/Health Research
Content Labeling
See: CLOTHING and FABRICS/Content
Labeling
Cooling-off Period
See: DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES
COPYRIGHTS, PATENTS and
TRADEMARKS
COSMETICS ,
Cost of Living
See: ECONOMY/Cost of Living; Employment/
Unemployment and Occupations
Credit
See: BANKING and CREDIT
Credit Cards
See: BANKING and CREDIT
12
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Credit Harassment
See: BANKING and CREDIT
Credit Reports
See: BANKING AND CREDIT
Credit Unions
See: BANKING and CREDIT/Credit Unions
Crime Insurance
See: INSURANCE/Crime Insurance
Dairy Products
See: FOOD/lnspection and Grading
Day Care Centers
See: CHILDREN, YOUTH and FAMILIES
Debt Collectors
See: BANKING and CREDIT
Dentists
See: HEALTH CARE/General
Dial-A-Reg
See: FEDERAL REGULATIONS
Discrimination
See: BANKING and CREDIT/Consumer Tips,
Consumer Credit Laws
See: EMPLOYMENT/Discrimination
See: HOUSING/Discrimination
See: EDUCATION/Discrimination
Disease
See: HEALTH CARE/Health Research
Dishwashers
See: APPLIANCES
DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES
DRUGS
E
ECONOMY
EDUCATION
See Also: VETERANS
Elderly
See: AGING
Electrical Safety
See: PRODUCT SAFETY
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
See: BANKING and CREDIT/Consumer Tips,
Consumer Credit Laws
EMPLOYMENT
See Also: ECONOMY
ENERGY
Energy Efficiency of Appliances
See: APPUANCES/Energy Efficiency
ENVIRONMENT
Equal Credit Opportunity Act
See: BANKING and CREDIT/Consumer Tips,
Consumer Credit Laws
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
See: EMPLOYMENT/Job Discrimination
Extension Service
See: FOOD/Extension Service
Fabrics
See: CLOTHING and FABRICS
Fair Credit Billing Act
See: BANKING and CREDIT/Consumer Tips,
Consumer Credit Laws
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
See: BANKING and CREDIT/Consumer Tips,
Consumer Credit Laws
Fair Housing Act
See: BANKING and CREDIT/Consumer Tips.
Consumer Credit Laws
See: HOUSING/Discrimination '
False Advertising
See: ADVERTISING
Families
See: CHILDREN, YOUTH and FAMILIES
Federal Government Jobs
See: EMPLOYMENT/Federal Government
Federal Housing Administration Loans
(FHA Loans)
See: HOUSING/Federal Housing Administration
Loans
Federal Register (FR)
See: FEDERAL REGULATIONS
FEDERAL REGULATIONS
Rnance Companies
See: BANKING and CREDIT/Other: Debt
Collectors, Retail Stores, Rnance
Companies, Etc.
Fire Safety
See: CLOTHING and FABRICS/Safety
See: MOTOR VEHICLES
See: PRODUCT SAFETY
Flammable Fabrics Act
See: CLOTHING and FABRICS
Flood Insurance
See: INSURANCE/Flood Insurance
FOOD
Food Assistance Programs
See: FOOD/Food Stamps and Food Assistance
Programs
Food Stamps
See: FOOD/Food Stamps and Food Assistance
.Programs
4-H Clubs
See: FOOD/Nutrition
Franchises
See: INVESTMENTS and BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES/Business Opportunity
Ventures, Franchises. Idea Promotion.
Business Management Assistance
Freezers
See: APPUANCES
Fuel Economy
See: MOTOR VEHICLES/Fuel Economy
See: ENERGY
See: TRANSPORTATION/General
See: ENVIRONMENT/Fuel Economy
Fuel Oil
See: ENERGY/Utilities, Fuel Oil, Propane and
Gasoline
FUNERALS
Furniture
See: INDUSTRY CONSUMER PROGRAMS in
SECTION I, page 8.
Garnishment of Wages
See: EMPLOYMENT/Labor Standards
Gasohol, Manufacture of
See: ALCOHOL/Content and Labeling
Gasoline
See: ENERGY/Utilities, Fuel Oil, Propane and
Gasoline
Generic Labeling of Drugs
See: DRUGS/Consumer Tips
Group Health Plans
See: HEALTH CARE/Healtti Maintenance
Organizations (HMOs)
Guarantees
See: WARRANTIES
H
HANDICAPPED
See Also: EDUCATION
See Also: VETERANS
See Also: HEALTH CARE
Head Start
See: CHILDREN. YOUTH and FAMILIES
Health Maintenance Organizations
(HMOs)
See: HEALTH CARE/Health Maintenance
Organizations
Health Research
See: HEALTH CARE/Health Research
HEARING AIDS
Highways
See: TRANSPORTAnON/Hghways
An explanation of the symbols used in this section can be found on page 11.
13
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Homebuying
See: HOUSING/Homebuying, Selling and Real
Estate Settlements
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act
See: BANKING and CREDIT/Consumer Tips,
Consumer Credit Laws
Home Selling
See: HOUSING/Homebuying, Selling and Real
Estate Settlements
Hospitals
See: HEALTH CARE/Complaints and
Information about Doctors, Dentists and
Hospitals
HOUSING
See Also: VETERANS
Idea Promotion
See: INVESTMENT and BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES/Business Opportunity
Ventures, Franchises, Idea Promotion
IMMIGRATION and
NATURALIZATION
Income Taxes
See: TAXES
Inflation
See: ECONOMY
INSURANCE
See Also: VETERANS
Interest Rates
See: BANKING and CREDIT/Consumer Tips,
Consumer Credit Laws
Interstate Land Sales
See: HOUSING/lnterstaia Land Sales
INVESTMENTS and BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES
Job Discrimination
See: EMPLOYMENT/Job Discrimination
Job Safety and Health
See: EMPLOYMENT/Job Safety and Health
Job Training
See: EMPLOYMENT/Unemptoyed, Job Training
Labor Standards
See: EMPLOYMENT/Labor Standards
Landlords
See: HOUSING/Consumer Tips, Renting
Learning Disabilities
See: HEALTH CARE/Mental Health
LOW-INCOME CONSUMERS
M
MAIL
Mail Fraud
See: MAIL/Mail Fraud and Misrepresentation
Mail Orders
See: MAlUMail Orders
Mail Rates
See: MAlUMail Rates
Mail Service
See: MAlUMail Service
Makeup
See: COSMETICS
MAPS
Maritime
See: TRANSPORTATION/Maritime, Ships
Medical Devices
See: DRUGS/Safety
Medicaid
See: HEALTH CARE/Medicaid
Medicare
See: HEALTH CARE/Medicare
Medicine
See: DRUGS
Mental Health
See: HEALTH CARE/Mental Health
See Also: VETERANS
Mental Illness
See: HEALTH CARE/Mental Health
METRICATION
Microwave Ovens
See: APPLIANCES/Radiation
Minimum Wage
See: EMPLOYMENT/Labor Standards
Mobile Homes
See: HOUSING/Mobile Homes
Mobile Home/Building and Safety
Standards
See: HOUSING/Mobile Homes
Monopoly
See: ANTITRUST
MOTOR VEHICLES
MOVING/MOVERS
N
Narcotics
See: DRUGS
National Banks
See: BANKING and CREDIT/Federally
Chartered Banks
National Forests
See: TRAVEUNational Forests
National Parks
See: TRAVEUNational Parks and Historical
Sites
Naturalization and Immigration
See: IMMIGRATION and NATURALIZATION
New Car Information Disclosure
See: MOTOR VEHICLES/New Car Information
Disclosure
Noise Pollution
See: ENVIRONMENT
See: TRANSPORTATION/General
Nuclear Regulation
See: ENERGY/Nuclear Regulation
Nutrition Information
See: FOOD/Nutrition
Occupations
See: ECONOMY
See: EMPLOYMENT
Odometer Tampering
See: MOTOR VEHICLES/Odometer Tampering
Oil Industry
See: ENERGY
Operation Peace of Mind (Runaway
Service)
See: CHILDREN, YOUTH and FAMILIES
Ovens
See: APPLIANCES
Overtime Pay
See: EMPLOYMENT
Passenger Vessels
See: TRANSPORTATION/Ships
Passports
See: TRAVEL
Patents
See: COPYRIGHTS. PATENTS and
TRADEMARKS
PENSIONS
Pesticides
See: ENVIRONMENT
Pets
See: ANIMALS/PETS
Physicians
See: HEALTH CARE
Poison
See: DRUGS/Safety Containers; Consumer
Tips, Drug Safety
See: PRODUCT SAFETY
14
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Pollution
See: ENVIRONMENT
See: TRANSPORTATION/General
Prescription Drugs
See: DRUGS
Price Fixing
See: ANTITRUST
PRIVACY
PRODUCT SAFETY
Propane
See: ENERGY/Utilities, Fuel Oil, Propane,
Gasoline
Public Health Service (PHS)
See: HEALTH CARE/General
Public Transportation
See: TRANSPORTATION
Radiation
See: APPLIANCES/Radiation
See: EMPLOYMENT/Job Safety and Health
See: ENERGY/Nuclear Regulation
See: ENVIRONMENT
Radio
See: APPLIANCES
See: COMMUNICATIONS
Railroads
See: TRANSPORTATION
Rainchecks
See: ADVERTISING
Rapid Rail Transit
See: TRANSPORTATION/Bus and Rapid Rail
Transit
Real Estate Settlements
See: HOUSING/Homebuying, Selling and Real
Estate Settlements
Recalls
See: MOTOR VEHICLES
See: PRODUCT SAFETY
Recreation
See: PRODUCT SAFETY
See: TRANSPORTATION
See: TRAVEL
Refrigerators
See: APPLIANCES
Religious Broadcasting
See: COMMUNICATIONS
Rentals
See: HOUSING/Consumer Tips, Rentals
Riot Reinsurance
See: INSURANCE/Riot Reinsurance
Runaways
See: CHILDREN, YOUTH and FAMILIES
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Savings and Loans
See: BANKING and CREDU/Savings and
Loans
School Breakfast Program
See: FOOD/Food Stamps and Food Assistance
School Grants
See: EDUCATION
School Lunch Program
See: FOOD/Food Stamps and Food Assistance
Second Opinions for Surgery
See: HEALTH CARE/Second Opinions for
Non-Emergency Surgery
Senior Citizens
See: AGING
Ships
See: TRANSPORTATION/Maritime, Ships
Small Business
See: BUSINESS/Small Business-Government
Regulations
See: INVESTMENT and BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES/Small Business
SOCIAL SECURITY
Solar Energy
See: ENERGY/Solar Energy
State Banks
See: BANKING and CREDIT/State Chartered
Banks
Stocks and Bonds
See: INVESTMENT and BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES/Stocks and Bonds
Student Grants
See: EDUCATION/Education Grants and Loans
Surgery
See: HEALTH CARE/Second Opinions on
Surgery
SURPLUS GOVERNMENT
PROPERTY
TAXES
Telegraph
See: COMMUNICATIONS
Telephone
See: COMMUNICATIONS
Television
See: APPLIANCES
See: COMMUNICATIONS
Tire Safety
See: MOTOR VEHICLES
Toy Safety
See: PRODUCT SAFETY
Trademarks
See: COPYRIGHTS, PATENTS, and
TRADEMARKS
Train TraveVAmtrak
See: TRANSPORTATION/Train TraveJ/Amtrak
TRANSPORTATION
TRAVEL
Truth-ln-Lending
See: BANKING and CREDU/Consumer Tips.
Consumer Credit Laws
u
Unemployment
See: EMPLOYMENT/Unemployed/Job Training
Unordered Merchandise
See: MAIL/Unordered Merchandise
Utilities
See: ENERGY/Utilities, Fuel 00. Propane,
Gasoline
Van Pooling
See: TRANSPORTATION/General
VETERANS
Veterinary Preparations
See: ANIMALS/PETS
Volunteer Work
See: ACTION
w
Wage and Price Guidelines
See: ECONOMY
Wages
See: EMPLOYMENT/Labor Standards
WARRANTIES
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Work Conditions
See: EMPLOYMENT/Job Safety and Health
Worker's Compensation
See: EMPLOYMENT/Labor Standards
Youth
See: CHILDREN, YOUTH and FAMILIES
An explanation of the symbols used in Oils section can be found on page 11.
15
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Action
ACTION administers and coordinates
domestic and international volunteer
programs sponsored by the Federal
Government. Although ACTION has
no official consumer office, it does
speak to local consumer concerns
through its volunteer programs such as
Volunteers in Service to America
(VISTA), the Retired Senior Volun-
teer Program (RSVP), and the Na-
tional Center for Service-Learning
(NCSL).
VISTA volunteers serve at least one
year, living and working in urban
ghettos, small towns, rural areas of
poverty, on Indian reservations, with
migrant workers, and in institutions for
the mentally ill or handicapped. These
volunteers assist in many community
activities—some of which deal with
consumer programs and self-help
groups.
RSVP gives retirees age 60 and over
the opportunity to serve their communi-
ties on a regular basis. For example:
RSVP volunteers are working with
consumer affairs departments, identi-
fying the problems of senior citizens,
and assisting in preparing and distri-
buting information on how to cope with
fixed incomes and rising inflation.
NCSL offers free training programs,
resource materials and technical as-
sistance to service-learning and stu-
dent volunteer programs in high
schools and colleges throughout the
U.S. There are approximately 750,000
students in community service pro-
grams sponsored by their schools.
Consumer affairs projects range from a
hotline service to presenting consumer
problems on local television.
Contact:
ACTION
806 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20525
800-424-8580
(202) 254-6886 (In Washington, D.C.)
Advertising
The Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) is responsible for preventing the
use of unfair, false, or deceptive adver-
tisements of consumer products. This
includes television, radio and printed
ads.
Although the FTC does not investi-
gate individual complaints, it can and
will act when it receives a large number
of specific advertising complaints in-
volving substantial consumer harm.
Contact:
Office of the Secretary
Federal Trade Commission
Washington, D.C. 20580
(202) 523-3598
Unavailable Advertised
Specials: Consumer Tips
The FTC receives numerous letters
and calls from consumers and con-
sumer groups complaining about the
unavailability of advertised specials. In
response to these complaints, the FTC
issued a rule stating that stores ought
to have advertised specials available
at the advertised price during the ad-
vertised sales period. Branch stores
which will not have the item must be
clearly listed in the ad.
Many stores issue rain checks if the
merchandise which has been adver-
tised is out of stock. The FTC advises
making sure the merchant indicates on
the rain check the date the item will be
in, and the sale price. Sometimes
stores do misjudge the popularity of an
item and it is sold out. However, if this
happens time and again, the store may
be breaking the FTC rule. Complain to
the store manager, state or local con-
sumer protection office, and to the
FTC.
Aging
the aged and aging. AoA administers
the programs of the Older Americans
Act through a network of state and area
agencies on aging. Information regard-
ing programs, services, and opportu-
nities for older people may be obtained
at the local level from state and area
agencies on aging, as they have the
responsibility for coordinating services
and delivery systems. Addresses of
the official state agencies can be found
in SECTION III.
Contact:
Director
National Clearinghouse on Aging
Department of Health,
Education and Welfare
Washington, D.C. 20201
(202) 245-2158
Alcohol
Alcoholism and Alcohol
Abuse
The Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Men-
tal Health Administration (ADAMHA)
develops and coordinates Federal
programs for the prevention, control,
and treatment of alcohol abuse and
alcoholism, and rehabilitation of af-
fected individuals. The National
Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism, a division of ADAMHA,
maintains a clearinghouse of infor-
mation on all aspects of alcohol
abuse/alcoholism and treatment
programs.
Contact:
Director
National Clearinghouse for
Alcohol Information
Department of Health,
Education and Welfare
P.O. Box 2345
Rockville, Maryland 20852
(301) 468-2600
The Administration on Aging (AoA)
acts as a focal point within the Federal
Government for activities concerning
16
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Content and Labeling
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and
Firearms monitors the content, label-
ing, and advertising of alcoholic bev-
erages. In the area of alcohol beverage
sales, the Bureau works to eliminate
the illegal traffic and trade practices of
alcoholic beverages and sets and as-
sures the full collection of taxes due
from the legal sale of these beverages.
The Bureau also issues permits to
engage in the production of alcohol for
industrial purposes, such as gasohol.
Contact:
Chief
Trade and Consumer Affairs
Division
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and
Firearms
Department of the Treasury
Washington, D.C. 20226
(202) 566-7581
Animals/Pets
The Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) assures that veterinary prepar-
ations, drugs, and devices are safe
and effective and also assures that ani-
mal and pet food is safe and properly
labeled.
Contact:
Bureau of Veterinary Medicine
Department of Health,
Education and Welfare
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20857
(301) 443-5363
Animal Health
The Animal and Plant Health Inspec-
tion Service (APHIS) of the Depart-
ment of Agriculture protects and
improves animal and plant health by
administering Federal laws and regu-
lations dealing with animal and plant
health and quarantine, humane treat-
ment of animals, and the eradication of
pests and diseases.
APHIS' veterinary services officials
determine the existence and extent of
outbreaks of communicable diseases
and pests affecting livestock and poul-
try. They maintain inspection and
quarantine service at ports of entry for
imported animals. APHIS also admin-
isters laws concerning the humane
handling of livestock and poultry in
interstate commerce, and governing
the transportation, sale and handling of
dogs, cats, circus and zoo animals in-
tended for use in laboratory research
or for exhibition.
Contact:
Information Division
Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service
Department of Agriculture
Washington, D.C. 20250
(202) 447-3977
Antitrust
The Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) and the Antitrust Division of the
Department of Justice work to pre-
serve the healthy competition of busi-
ness in our free enterprise system.
These offices share responsibility for
enforcement of the antitrust laws. Anti-
trust violations include price fixing,
monopoly, price discrimination and
any other anti-competititve practices.
Contact:
Assistant Director for Evaluation
Bureau of Competition
Federal Trade Commission
Washington, D.C. 20580
(202)523-3622
Assistant Attorney General
Antitrust Division
Department of Justice
Washington, D.C. 20530
(202) 633-3543
(Or contact the
Department of Justice or FTC
Regional Offices found at the
back of this section.)
Appliances
General
The Federal Government has limited
control over the manufacture and sale
of appliances. Therefore, it is usually
best to contact the dealer, manufac-
turer or local or state consumer office.
These offices are found in SECTION
III. If a problem involving a major appli-
ance cannot be resolved through the
dealer or manufacturer, you may also
contact the Major Appliance Consumer
Action Panel (MACAP) described on
page 8 of SECTION I, for assistance.
Energy Efficiency
The Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) has proposed that eight cate-
gories of appliances—refrigerators
and refrigerator-freezers, freezers,
dishwashers, water heaters, room air
conditioners, central air conditioners,
clothes washers and furnaces—be
sold with labels giving consumers the
estimated annual energy costs or
energy efficiency ratings for each
appliance. A final rule takes effect in
the fall of 1979. The label will give: (1)
a description of the model, (2) the esti-
mated energy cost for air conditioners
and heat pumps, or energy efficiency
ratings of the model for other appli-
ances, (3) the range of energy costs or
efficiency ratings for comparable
models, and (4) other useful infor-
mation that will enable consumers to
estimate costs more precisely.
Contact:
Office of the Secretary
Federal Trade Commission
Washington, D.C. 20580
(202) 523-3600
An explanation of the symfto/s used In this section can be found on page 11.
17
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Product Safety
The Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) protects con-
sumers against the manufacture and
sale of hazardous appliances. CPSC
can ban hazardous products and also
order a recall when a product is found
to be dangerous to the public.
Contact:
Director
Office of Communications
Consumer Product Safety
Commission
Washington, D.C. 20207
800-638-8326
800-492-8363 (In Maryland)
800-638-8333 (In Puerto Rico, Virgin
Islands, Alaska, Hawaii)
Radiation
The Bureau of Radiological Health of
the Food and Drug Administration
protects consumers against unneces-
sary exposure to radiation from elec-
tronic products including microwave
ovens, lasers, television sets, x-rays,
and sunlamps.
Contact:
Director
Technical Information Staff
(HFX-25)
Bureau of Radiological Health
Food and Drug Administration
Department of Health, Education
and Welfare
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20857
(301) 443-3434
Warranties
The Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) enforces the Magnuson-Moss
Warranty Act which requires that war-
ranties on appliances costing more
than $15.00 be available to consumers
for review before purchase, and that
the terms of full and limited warranties
be spelled out in clear, easy-to-read
language. (Also see: WARRANTIES,
page 47.)
Contact:
Office of the Secretary
Federal Trade Commission
Washington, D.C. 20580
(202) 523-3600
Banking and Credit
Commercial Banks
Commercial banks offer a wide variety
of services, including checking ac-
counts, consumer loans, and personal
and commercial financial transactions.
These banks can be either Federally
chartered or state chartered. For a list-
ing of state banking authorities, see
Section III.
Federally Chartered Banks
Federally chartered commercial banks
are called national banks and have the
word "National" or "n.a." in their titles.
These banks are supervised by the
Office of the Comptroller of the Cur-
rency (OCC) within the Department
of the Treasury. This office examines
banks periodically to assure the
soundness of operation and manage-
ment and compliance with laws, rules
and regulations. The OCC can assist
with any problems or questions con-
sumers may have with a credit card
issued through a national bank. In
fact, OCC is interested in learning of
any problems consumers may have
with any aspect of a national bank's
practices.
Contact:
Director
Consumer, Community, and
Fair Lending Examinations
Division
Comptroller of the Currency
Department of the Treasury
Washington, D.C. 20219
(202) 447-1600
State Chartered Banks
State chartered banks are regulated at
the state level by state banking com-
missions; however, these banks can
also be affiliated with the Federal
Government in two ways.
State Chartered/Member of
the Federal Reserve System
State chartered banks can be mem-
bers of the Federal Reserve System
(FRS). FRS serves as the nation's
central bank, whose main responsi-
bilities are to regulate the flow of
money and credit and to perform su-
pervisory services and functions for
the public, the U.S. Treasury and com-
mercial banks. State banks that are
members of the FRS must comply with
both Federal and state rules and
regulations.
Contact:
Director
Division of Consumer Affairs
Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System
Washington, D.C. 20551
(202) 452-3946
State Chartered/Not a
Member of the Federal
Reserve System
Insured state banks which do not hold
membership in the Federal Reserve
System are subject to supervision by
the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation (FDIC). The FDIC pro-
tects bank customers and helps main-
tain confidence in the banking system
by insuring bank deposits up to
$40,000.
Contact:
Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
and Civil Rights
Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation
Washington, D.C. 20429
(202) 389-4427
18
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Savings and Loan
Associations
Savings and loan associations, regu-
lated by the Federal Home Loan Bank
Board (FHLBB), specialize in savings
and mortgage lending. While savings
and loan associations are limited by
law in the kinds and number of services
they can provide, they are entitled to
offer higher interest rates for savings
accounts and time deposits. (Time
deposits require a long-term deposit of
funds in return for an even higher rate
of interest.)
The FHLBB protects savers in Fed-
erally insured savings and loans
against losses on their deposits
through the Federal Savings
and Loan Insurance Corporation
(FSLIC). State chartered savings and
loan associations are regulated by
the state banking authorities, and
those having FSLIC deposit insurance
are also regulated by the FHLBB. (See
SECTION III.)
Contact:
Director
Consumer Division
Office of Community Investment
Federal Home Loan Bank Board
Washington, D.C. 20552
(202) 377-6237
Credit Unions
Credit unions are nonprofit associa-
tions of people with a common unity,
such as employees of a company or
members of a union, who own and
govern their operation.
The National Credit Union Admin-
istration (NCUA) grants Federal char-
ters to qualified groups and supervises
and examines Federal credit unions
throughout the country. NCUA insures
the accounts of all Federal credit
unions and state chartered credit
unions that request and qualify for such
coverage.
Contact:
Director
Division of Consumer Affairs
Office of Examination and
Insurance
National Credit Union
Administration
Washington, D.C. 20456
(202) 254-8760
Other: Debt Collectors,
Retail Stores, Finance
Companies, Credit Reporting
Agencies, Etc.
The Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) has jurisdiction over all creditors
not specifically regulated by another
government agency. For example, if
you are having a problem with a de-
partment store credit card, finance
company, debt collector or credit
reporting agency, the FTC may
have authority to enforce a* law which
protects you.
Contact: tlf
Director
Division of Credit Practices
Federal Trade Commission
Washington, D.C. 20580
(202)724-1181
Privacy/Government Access
to Bank Records
Has your bank released your financial
records to the government?
The Right to Financial Privacy Act
requires a government agency to give
an individual prior notice (in most
cases) of its seeking access to indivi-
dual records held by a bank. The notice
must contain the reasons for such
access and allows the individual the
opportunity to challenge that access in
court.
Privacy/Access to
Bank Records From
Non-Governmental Sources
Except for credit related laws, such as
the Fair Credit Reporting Act and
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
(described in this section) there is little
legislation recognizing an individual '$
right to limit the collection and use of
information by private concerns such
as insurance companies, banks and
hospitals. Many are concerned about
potential invasions of privacy by the
private sector. In response to this con-
cern, legislation is currently being con-
sidered to limit the use of information
by banks, insurance companies and
medical organizations.
Banking and Credit: •£,
Consumer Tips
Credit Counseling
For information on credit counseling
see CONSUMER CREDIT COUN-
SELING SERVICES in SECTION I,
page 7.
Credit Cards
• It is illegal for a company to send
out credit cards unless the consumer
has specifically requested or applied
for one. A company may. however.
send renewal and substitute cards
without the consumer's permission.
• If a credit card is lost or stolen and
the card is used after the consumer has
reported it as lost or stolen, the con-
sumer is not liable for any purchases
made by the unauthorized user.
• If a credit card is lost or stolen and
the card is used before the consumer
reports it as lost or stolen, the maxi-
mum amount for which a consumer is
liable is $50.00.
Consumer Credit Laws
The following are a number of impor-
tant consumer credit laws. It is impor-
tant to note that there are many addi-
tional provisions and exemptions to
these laws, and consumers should
contact the agencies described above
for additional information.
• Denied credit because of a bad
credit report? The Fair Credit Re-
porting Act sets up a procedure for
correcting mistakes on your credit
An explanation of the symbols used in this section can be found on page 11.
19
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record. This law lets you review the
information contained in the report
and, if there is a mistake, lets you
challenge the information.
• Billing mistake? The Fair Credit
Billing Act sets up a procedure for
promptly correcting billing mistakes
without damage to your credit rating. If
you think your bill is wrong, or want
more information about it, notify the
creditor in writing within 60 days after
the bill was mailed. Be sure to write to
the address the creditor lists for billing
inquiries.
• Did you charge defective goods
or services? The Fair Credit Billing
Act also provides that you may with-
hold payment on any damaged or
shoddy goods or poor quality services
purchased with a credit card, as long
as you have made a real attempt to
solve the problem. Purchases must be
over $50.00 and must have been made
in the same state or within 100 miles of
the account mailing address.
• How much does credit cost?
Truth-in-Lending requires creditors to
give you certain basic information
about the cost of buying on credit. The
creditor must tell you—in writing and
before you sign a contract—the fi-
nance charge and the Annual Percent-
age Rate (APR). The finance charge is
the total dollar amount you pay to use
the credit, including Interest charges
and any other fees; the APR is the per-
centage cost of credit on a yearly basis.
• How much will it cost to lease
rather than buy? The Consumer
Leasing Act requires leasing compan-
ies to give you the facts about the cost
and terms of their contracts. Before
you agree to lease, the leasing com-
pany must give you a written statement
of costs, including the amount of any
security deposit, the amount of month-
ly payments, and the cost of any
license registration, taxes and mainte-
nance you must pay. It must also
give you a written statement of terms,
such as guarantees, insurance you
need, and standards for wear and tear,
to name a few.
• Feel you have been discrimi-
nated against? The Equal Credit
Opportunity Act starts all credit appli-
cants off on the same footing. It says
that factors such as race, color, age,
sex, marital status, religion, and receipt
of public assistance, may not be used
to discriminate against you in any part
of a credit transaction.
• Being harassed by creditors?
The Fair Debt Collection Practices
Act is designed to prevent abusive,
deceptive, and unfair debt collection
practices by a debt collection agency.
• Do you think a financial institu-
tion is providing enough loans to
meet the housing needs of a parti-
cular area? The Home Mortgage
Disclosure Act requires public dis-
closure by banks and savings and
loans of the geographic distribution of
their mortgage loans and directs the
manner in which depository insti-
tutions must compile and make such
information available.
• Do you want to know if financial
institutions are meeting the credit
needs of the community? The
Community Reinvestment Act is
intended to encourage financial insti-
tutions to help meet the credit needs of
their communities, particularly low and
medium-income neighborhoods, while
preserving the flexibility necessary for
the institutions to operate in a safe and
sound manner.
• Do you think you've been dis-
criminated against when you ap-
plied for a mortgage? The Fair
Housing Act Title VIII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1968 prohibits discrimi-
nation on the basis of race, color,
religion, national origin, or sex in the
extension of housing credit. (Also see:
HOUSING/Discrimination.)
• Do you have a bank card (EFT
card) which lets you deposit, with-
draw and transfer funds? If your card
was lost or stolen, for how much would
you be liable? The Electronic Funds
Transfer Act establishes the basic
rights, liabilities and responsibilities of
consumers who use electronic fund
transfer (EFT) services and of the
financial institutions that offer these
services. Generally, if a consumer
finds that an EFT card is missing, the
financial institution must be notified
within two days and consumer liability
is limited to $50.00. It is best to make
notification by phone or in person. After
two days the liability is limited to
$500.00. If a consumer finds an error
on a statement, the bank must be noti-
fied within 60 days or consumer liability
is unlimited.
Other provisions of the Act will take
effect in May 1980, and the Federal
Reserve Board will be issuing regula-
tions under this Act.
Business
Business-Consumer
Relations
The Office of Consumer Affairs of
the Department of Commerce is
responsible for seeing that consumer
views are considered in policymaking;
encourages consumer involvement in
Department activities; advises the
business community on being more
responsive to consumer needs; and
provides consumer information.
-------
Contact:
Director
Office of Advocacy Programs
Small Business Administration
1441 L Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20416
(202) 653-6579
Business-Government
Relations
The Office of the Ombudsman of the
Department of Commerce acts as
liaison between the Federal Govern-
ment and the business community. It
assists businesses in understanding
Federal regulations that may affect
them and responds to questions or
complaints a business may have re-
garding government action.
Contact:
Director
Office of the Ombudsman
Department of Commerce
Washington, D.C. 20230
(202)377-3176
Children, Youth and
Families
The Administration for Children,
Youth and Families (ACYF) consists
of the Head Start Bureau; Chil-
dren's Bureau; Youth Development
Bureau; Research, Demonstration
and Evaluation Division; and the Day
Care Division.
ACYF coordinates Federal pro-
grams with children and their families
and advocates the needs of children
and youth before the Government and
public. The ACYF operates Federally-
funded programs for children, such as
Parent and Child Centers, admin-
isters the National Center on Child
Abuse and Neglect and the Child
Welfare Services program.
Contact:
Chief
Office of Public Information
Administration for Children,
Youth, and Families
Department of Health, Education
and Welfare
Washington, D.C. 20201
(202) 755-7724
Runaway
The National Runaway Hotline, funded
by the Department of Health, Educa-
tion and Welfare, provides free, con-
fidential advisory services to runaways
and parents 24 hours a day.
Contact:
800-621-4000
800-972-6004 (In Illinois)
Another confidential, 24-hour mes-
sage relay service is Operation Peace
of Mind which provides referral infor-
mation on medical assistance and
shelter. The program is funded by the
State of Texas but operates throughout
the continental United States.
Contact:
800-231-6946
800-392-3352 (In Texas)
800-231-6762 (In Alaska, Hawaii)
Clothing and
Fabrics
Care Labeling
The Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) enforces the care labeling rule
which requires garment manufacturers
to permanently attach care labels to
wearing apparel so consumers know
the best way to clean clothes. Fabric
manufacturers are required to make
quantities of care labels available with
their yard goods so that consumers
buying fabric can take the labels home
and attach them to the finished gar-
ments.
Under this law, all textile wearing
apparel (except hats, gloves, and
shoes) must have care labels. Also
covered are draperies, curtains slip-
covers, upholstered furniture, carpets
and rugs. Excluded from the rule are
leather, suede, fur, plastic, or most
vinyl garments or fabrics.
Contact:
Office of the Secretary
Federal Trade Commission
Washington, D.C. 20580
(202) 523-3600
Content Labeling
The Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) requires content labels to be
attached to wool, fur, textile, and down
products to protect producers and con-
sumers against misbranding and false
advertising.
Under these rules, the label must (1)
be printed in legible, unabbreviated
English; (2) be attached to an easy-to-
locate place; and (3) state the com-
position of the product. Also, the name
or code number of the firm responsible
for the accuracy of the label must be
printed on the same label or on one
close to it. If the manufacturer chooses
to use a code number, it must be reg-
istered with the FTC. Any person may
write or call the FTC and obtain the
identity of a specific registered identi-
fication number.
Contact:
Office of the Secretary
Federal Trade Commission
Washington, D.C. 20580
(202) 523-3600
(202) 724-1109 (For Code Names)
IHMf
The Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) protects con-
sumers against unreasonable risks
from consumer products, including
clothing and fabrics. In this area. CPSC
enforces the Flammable Fabrics Act
which sets flammabilrty standards for
carpets, rugs, mattresses, children's
An explanation of the symbols used in this section can be found on page 77.
21
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sleepwear, and general wearing ap-
parel. CPSC also ensures that clothes
will not be cancer causing or in any
other way be harmful to health.
Contact:
Director
Office of Communications
Consumer Product Safety
Commission
Washington, D.C. 20207
800-638-8326
800-492-8363 (In Maryland)
800-638-8333 (In Puerto Rico, Virgin
Islands, Alaska, Hawaii)
Clothing and Fabrics:
Consumer Tips
CPSC's Tips for Safer Clothes:
• Always buy flame resistant sleep-
wear for children.
• Tightly woven, heavy fabrics (like
denim in jeans) bum more slowly than
sheer, lightweight fabrics.
• Clothes with high, fluffy pile burn
faster than close knit, low pile fabrics.
• Teach children about the danger of
playing with matches and the danger of
fire—also tell them what to do if their
clothing does catch fire. Never run!
Drop to the floor immediately and roll to
smother the flames.
Communications
The Federal Communications Com-
mission (FCC) is the agency charged
with regulating radio, television, wire,
cable and satellite communications.
FCC rules require that radio and
television stations be responsive to the
needs of consumers in the communi-
ties they serve; that their broadcasts
present both sides of a controversial
issue; and that misleading advertise-
ments are not aired. The FCC does not
regulate program content.
Telephone companies operating
entirely in one state are under the juris-
diction of the state public utility com-
missions. (See SECTION III for a state-
by-state listing of these commissions).
FCC regulates and licenses other
two-way radio services for marine and
aviation safety, police and fire, busi-
ness radio and CB service.
You may call the following telephone
numbers for questions concerning
communication services:
Applications, Bulletins,
and Forms
Requests for forms (202) 632-7272
(FCC Regional Offices also distribute
forms upon request. See page 51 for a
list of these offices.)
Broadcasting
Program and advertising complaints
(202) 632-3860
Political broadcasting—equal time
(202) 632-7586
Cable Television
Certificates of compliance
(202) 632-7480
Complaints/general information
(202) 632-9703
Rulemaking proceedings
(202) 632-6468
Citizen and Amateur Radio
Status of application—citizens
(717) 334-9167
Status of application—amateur
(717) 334-7631
Examinations (Amateur
and Radio-Telephone
Operator Permit)
Washington, D.C. area
(301) 436-7590
Other areas: FCC Regional Offices
Interference Complaints
Washington, D.C. area
(301) 436-7590
Other areas: FCC Regional Offices
(See page 51 for a listing of these
offices.)
Legal Assistance
(202) 632-7000
The Federal Communications Bar
Association has instituted a Legal Aid
Program for indigent individuals and
groups. In addition, there are several
public interest communications law
firms throughout the country. For a list
of possible sources of legal assis-
tance, contact the Consumer Assis-
tance office given below.
Common Carrier
Telephone and telegraph (Complaints
and general information)
(202) 632-7553
Interconnect (Personally owned
telephones)
(202) 632-6440
Rates
(202) 632-5550
Rulemaking proceedings
(202) 632-9342
Press Information
(202) 632-7260
Public Information
(202) 632-7000
or
Contact:
Chief
Consumer Assistance Office
Federal Communications
Commission
Washington, D.C. 20554
(202) 632-7000
Religious Broadcasting
and the FCC
For several years now the Feder-
al Communications Commission
(FCC) has been flooded with letters
from consumers asking to turn down a
petition to take religious broadcasting
off the air. Several thousand such let-
ters are received every day.
22
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A petition was filed with the FCC on
December 6, 1974, asking that the
FCC "freeze" applications by religious
institutions for TV or FM channels that
are reserved for educational stations.
The FCC routinely assigned it a rule-
making number—RM 2493. On Au-
gust 1, 1975, the FCC unanimously
denied this petition, declaring that the
First Amendment requires government
agencies to take a neutral stance
toward religious activity.
In spite of this very clear ruling, many
people still have not gotten the word
that the petition has been denied.
The FCC is not trying to take
religious broadcasting off the air. In
fact, the FCC is prohibited by law
from ruling on the content of broadcast
programming—religious or otherwise.
The FCC needs consumer help to
spread the word that there is not a
petition to ban religious programming.
Consumer Affairs
The U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs
coordinates and advises other Federal
agencies on issues of interest to con-
sumers. Its primary function is to
represent the interests of consumers in
proceedings of Federal agencies and
to provide support to the Special
Assistant to the President for Con-
sumer Affairs. In addition, it develops
consumer information materials, as-
sists other agencies in responding to
consumer complaints, and provides
information to consumers about is-
sues pending before other Federal
agencies.
Contact:
Director
Consumer Information
U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs
621 Reporters Building
Washington, D.C. 20201
(202) 755-8830
Consumer Deputy Consumers'
Program Education
The Consumer Product Safety Com-
mission has a Consumer Deputy
Program where unpaid volunteers
conduct surveys or check specific
products to see if they comply with
regulations.
These surveys encourage removal
of banned or non-complying products
from retail stores and make retailers
and consumers aware of Federal regu-
lation of these products. In one study,
deputies surveyed households to de-
termine drugstore compliance with
regulations requiring the use of child-
resistant packaging of oral prescription
drugs.
For more information on the Con-
sumer Deputy Program, check with
the Consumer Product Safety
Commission's regional offices listed
on page 49. Also see: PRODUCT
SAFETY.
Consumer
Information
The Consumer Information Center
(CIC) distributes Federal consumer
publications and works with and en-
courages other Federal agencies to
develop consumer information. CIC
publishes the free Consumer Infor-
mation Catalog, a listing of more than
200 selected Federal consumer pub-
lications on such topics as automo-
biles, health, energy, housing, food
and health care. For a free copy of the
quarterly Catalog, send a postcard to
the address below. In addition, CIC
publishes an annual listing of Federal
consumer publications in Spanish
which can also be obtained by sending
a postcard to the following address:
Consumer Information Center
Pueblo, Colorado 81009
The Office of Consumers' Educa-
tion, through grant and contract
awards, supports activities that im-
prove the way individuals function in
the marketplace as consumers. Agen-
cies and organizations that may apply
for grants include state and local edu-
cation agencies, institutions of higher
education and public and private non-
profit agencies and organizations.
fn
Contact: Lrr
Director
Office of Consumers' Education
U.S. Office of Education
Department of Health, Education
and Welfare
Washington, D.C. 20202
(202) 653-5983
Copyrights, Patents
and Trademarks
Copyrights
The Copyright Office of the Library
of Congress registers and records all
copyrights. A copyright is a grant given
by the United States Government to
authors extending them exclusive
rights to do or to authorize the repro-
duction, distribution, performance, or
display of a copyrighted work. In gen-
eral, a copyright of a work created after
January 1,1978, lasts for the life of the
author and for 50 years after the au-
thor's death. A copyright is in no way
indicative of government approval of
tiie quality or contents of the work.
The Copyright Office provides in-
formation on copyright law, getting a
copyright and registration procedures.
Copyright records may be obtained for
a fee. However, visitors may use the
Copyright Card Catalog and other
records free of charge.
An explanation of the symbols used in this section can be found on page 11.
23
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Contact:
Information and Publications
Section
Copyright Office
1921 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, Virginia
(703) 557-8700
(Actual Location)
Information and Publications
Section
Copyright Office
Library of Congress
Washington, D.C. 20559
(Mailing Address)
Patents
The Patent and Trademark Office
administers the Federal patent statute.
A patent is a grant to an inventor or his
or her heirs for the right to exclude
others from making, using, or selling an
invention throughout the United States
for 17 years. A patent is in no way
indicative of government approval of
the quality or contents of the invention.
The patent statute was enacted to
provide incentives to: create inven-
tions; invest in research and develop-
ment; commercialize new products
and processes; and disclose inven-
tions to the public. Design patents
provide incentives to create original
and ornamental designs for consumer
products. The massive patent search
files contain over 20 million documents
including much information about
technology not published elsewhere.
Contact:
Commissioner of Patents
and Trademarks
2021 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, Virginia
(703) 557-3080
(Actual Location)
Commissioner of Patents
and Trademarks
Washington, D.C. 20231
(Mailing Address)
Trademarks
The Patent and Trademark Office
administers the Federal trademark
registration statute. A trademark is a
distinctive emblem or motto which a
manufacturer places on a product so
that it may be identified as a product of
that manufacturer. Each certificate of
registration for a trademark remains in
force for 20 years. A trademark is in no
way indicative of government approval
of the quality or contents of the product.
The trademark statute was enacted
to protect business investments and
help avoid consumer deception or con-
fusion. The Office registers marks
used in commerce, subject to Federal
regulation. The trademark search files
contain information on over 400,000
registered marks.
Contact:
Commissioner of Patents
and Trademarks
2011 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, Virginia
(703) 557-3268
(Actual Location)
Commissioner of Patents
and Trademarks
Washington, D.C. 20231
(Mailing Address)
Cosmetics
The Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) assures that cosmetics are safe
and pure. FDA also requires that cos-
metics be truthfully and informatively
packaged and labeled, and that cos-
metic ingredients be listed on each
package. If you have an unusual reac-
tion from a cosmetic that you believe is
mislabeled, unsanitary, or harmful,
report this to the FDA.
Contact:
Director
Consumer Communications; HFJ-10
Food and Drug Administration
Department of Health, Education
and Welfare
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20857
(301)443-3170
Door-to-Door Sales
The Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) has a regulation that requires a
"cooling off" period for door-to-door
sales.
This rule requires that the sales per-
son (1) inform consumers of their right
to cancel the contract, (2) give con-
sumers two copies of the cancellation
form, and (3) give consumers a dated
receipt or contract that shows the
name and address of the seller.
Should a consumer decide to cancel
tiie purchase, he or she must sign and
date one copy of the form and mail it to
the address given for cancellation any
time before midnight of the third busi-
ness day after the contract date.
This rule not only includes sales
made at home, but also sales agree-
ments made anywhere other than the
seller's normal place of business, such
as "parties" hosted in homes, and
sales made in rented hotel rooms. It
does not cover sales made totally by
mail or phone; under $25.00; for real
estate, insurance or securities; or for
emergency home repairs.
Contact:
Office of the Secretary
Federal Trade Commission
Washington, D.C. 20580
(202) 523-3598
Drugs
Drug Abuse
The Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Men-
tal Health Administration (ADAMHA)
develops and coordinates Federal
programs for the prevention, control
and treatment of narcotic addiction and
24
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drug abuse and the rehabilitation of af-
fected individuals. The National Insti-
tute on Drug Abuse, a division of
ADAMHA, maintains a clearinghouse
of information on all aspects of drug
abuse and treatment programs.
Contact:
Director
Office of Communications and
Public Affairs
Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and
Mental Health Administration
Department of Health, Education
and Welfare
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20857
(301) 443-3783
(301) 443-6500 (Clearinghouse)
Effectiveness and Safety
The Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) assures that drugs on the mar-
ket are properly labeled, safe and
effective for their intended uses. FDA
determines if a drug should be a pre-
scription drug, obtainable only with a
doctor's order, or a drug sold over the
counter (OTC), which is readily avail-
able. FDA also regulates the advertis-
ing of prescription drugs. (Advertising
of OTC drugs is regulated by the
Federal Trade Commission. Also
see: ADVERTISING.)
Injuries and adverse reactions from
drugs should be reported to the pre-
scribing doctor and to FDA, which will
investigate and take corrective action
as necessary.
Contact:
Director
Consumer Communications; HFJ-10
Food and Drug Administration
Department of Health, Education
and Welfare
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20857
(301) 443-3170
Enforcement
The Drug Enforcement Administra-
tion (DEA) of the Department of Jus-
tice enforces laws and regulations
relating to legally-produced, controlled
substances (i.e., narcotics, ampheta-
mines and barbiturates) handled by
registered importers, manufacturers,
distributors, pharmacists and doctors.
DEA also works to suppress the grow-
ing, importation, manufacture and
distribution of illegally produced
controlled substances.
Contact:
Local DEA offices located in most
major cities and listed in telephone
directories,
or
Director
Office of Compliance and
Regulatory Affairs
Drug Enforcement Administration
Washington, D.C. 20537
(202) 633-1000
Safety Containers
The Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) requires that
oral prescription drugs and aspirin be
packaged in child-resistant containers.
Before this rule went into effect, thou-
sands of children each year were acci-
dentally poisoned by swallowing medi-
cines. Safety containers are designed
so that children will have difficulty
opening them but can be easily opened
by most adults. However, since many
adults have complained about these
hard-to-open packages, the CPSC rule
does allow consumers to request tradi-
tional, easy-to-open packaging for
their drugs.
Also, CPSC allows aspirin to be sold
without the child-resistant containers.
However, it is only available in one size
and must be clearly marked on the
package that it is not child-resistant.
Contact:
Director
Office of Communications
Consumer Product Safety
Commission
Washington, D.C. 20207
800-638-8326 ^
800-492-8363 ^
800-638-8333 (In Puerto Rico, Virgin
Islands, Alaska, and Hawaii)
Drugs: ^
Consumer Tips ^
Bringing Down the Cost of
Prescription Drugs
• When your doctor prescribes a
drug, ask that it be prescribed by its
generic (technical) name. Often the
only difference between a brand name
drug and a generic drug is the price,
and savings can be substantial. You
can also request a generic drug from
your pharmacist. Most states have
laws permitting pharmacists to dis-
pense low-cost generic drugs in place
of the prescribed brand name drug if
the doctor does not instruct otherwise.
• The use of generic drugs is one
way to lower the cost of prescription
drugs. Another way is to comparison
shop from one pharmacy to another.
Prescription drug prices vary greatly
from pharmacy to pharmacy. In fact
one survey showed that the cost of one
prescription drug was five times higher
in one pharmacy than in another in the
same neighborhood. It is therefore
wise to call a few pharmacies and in-
quire about a drug's price before
having a prescription filled.
Protect Children
From Accidental Poisoning
• Avoid taking medicines in your
child's presence. The child may learn
to imitate your action.
• Store internal medicines away
from other household substances.
Properly re-secure the cap and keep
the product in the original container.
Never put medicine in a cup or other
bottle.
• Keep the telephone number of the
nearest doctor, poison control center
and hospital in a handy place.
An explanation of the symbols used in Oils section can be found on page 11.
25
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Drug Safety
• Be sure to ask your doctor about
the possible side effects of any pre-
scribed drug. Remember that alcohol,
some foods and other drugs can boost
or suppress the effectiveness of the
prescribed drug.
• Be sure to read all drug labels and
patient-package inserts carefully and
pay close attention to warning labels.
Economy
Cost of Living,
Employment/Unemployment
and Occupations
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
publishes two Consumer Price In-
dexes (CPI) every month—CPI for all
Urban Consumers and CPI for Urban
Wage Earners and Clerical Workers—
which measure the changes in prices
for a variety of goods and services for
tiie U.S. and for selected local areas.
The CPI includes the prices people
pay for such items as food, clothing,
automobiles, doctors' fees, and hous-
ing. Prices are obtained by personal
visits to thousands of retail stores and
service establishments.
The CPI number itself shows how
much prices have changed since 1967.
At that time, all selected goods and
services had an index number of 100.
Today, if a certain item has a CPI
index number of 210, it would mean the
price has increased 110% since 1967.
BLS also publishes estimated family
budgets for the U.S. and different cities
and estimates future demand for cer-
tain occupations. Employment and
unemployment data are also included.
Contact:
Section of Inquiries and
Correspondence
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Department of Labor
Washington, D.C. 20212
(202)523-1533
The Council on Wage and Price
Stability (CWPS) monitors the econ-
omy as a whole, especially changes in
wages, costs, productivity, profits and
prices. CWPS also monitors how the
Administration's voluntary wage and
price standards are being followed.
Contact:
Director
Council on Wage and Price
Stability
726 Jackson Place, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20506
(202) 456-6757
Education
The establishment of the U.S. Depart-
ment of Education had just been
announced at the time this publication
went to press. However, details were
not yet available. It is hoped that the
education offices listed will be able to
provide whatever information you
need.
General
Education Amendments which pro-
hibit sex discrimination in Federally
funded educational activities.
-------
Privacy
The Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act, enforced by the Depart-
ment of Health, Education and
Welfare (HEW), allows students over
18 and parents of minor children to see
educational records kept by educa-
tional institutions receiving Federal
education funds. The Act also limits
disclosure of the information to others.
The Secretary of HEW has the power
to deny Federal funds to any institution
in violation.
Contact:
Director
Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act Office
Department of Health, Education
and Welfare
Hubert Humphrey Building, Room 26F
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
(202) 245-7488
Employment
Job Discrimination
The Equal Employment Opportu-
nity Commission (EEOC) has author-
ity to monitor discrimination based on
race, color, religion, sex, age or
national origin, in the hiring, promotion,
pay or any other aspect of employ-
ment. The EEOC investigates and
attempts to settle complaints and
assists with litigation.
(D©
Contact:
Director
Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission
Washington, D.C. 20506
(202) 634-6930
Federal Government
Employment
The Office of Personnel Manage-
ment, formerly the Civil Service
Commission, operates Federal Job
Information Centers (FJIC) in each
state. The Centers provide information
on Federal government jobs, including
qualification requirements, application
procedures and necessary written
examinations. Opportunities are also
posted in local state employment ser-
vice offices. For the FJIC nearest you,
look in the white pages of the phone
book under "U.S. Government, Office
of Personnel Management."
Job Safety and Health
The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) sets and
enforces job safety and health stan-
dards for private sector workers and
trains employers and employees in
occupational safety and health prac-
tices. OSHA accepts reports from
workers about dangerous working
conditions and may investigate indivi-
dual cases depending on the gravity of
the hazard.
Employees of state, county or city
governments are covered by OSHA
only if their state has an OSHA-
approved plan. Also, workers in high-
way, air and rail transportation are
generally covered by the Department
of Transportation; Federal workers
are covered by their agencies; and
mine safety workers are covered by
the Mine Safety and Health Admini-
stration of the Department of Labor.
Contact:
Director
Office of Information
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Department of Labor
Washington, D.C. 20210
(202) 523-8151
Labor Standards
ters. The ESA directs Federal con-
tractor, equal employment opportunity
and workers' compensation programs
for the Federal Government, the coal
mining and long shore industries and
some other employers. The ESA also
works to upgrade the status of working
women, minorities, handicapped work-
ers, and farm laborers.
Contact:
Director
Office of Information and
Consumer Affairs
Employment Standards
Administration
Department of Labor
Washington, D.C. 20210
(202) 523-8743
Unemployed/Job Training
The Employment and Training Ad-
ministration (ETA) within the De-
partment of Labor assists the unem-
ployed or those seeking new or better
jobs by providing training and place-
ment services. ETA is in charge of the
Federal role in Federal/state employ-
ment service and unemployment in-
surance programs. For information on
employment and training programs,
such as the Comprehensive Em-
ployment and Training Act (CETA)
programs, most of which are handled
by state and local governments, check
with state or local employment service
offices listed in the white pages of your
phone book, your mayor's office or call
your government's CETA office.
The Employment Standards Ad
ministration (ESA) of the Depart- Women
ment of Labor administers employ-
ment standards programs on minimum
wage, overtime pay, child labor, farm
labor and government contract mat-
Contact:
Director
Employment and Training
Administration
Department of Labor
Washington, D.C. 20213
(202) 376-6905 (General Information)
The Women's Bureau in the Depart-
ment of Labor offers information and
advisory and technical assistance on
An explanation of the symbols used in Ms section can be found on page 11.
27
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women's employment rights, training
and employment opportunities, the
legal and economic status of women,
and other issues related to women's
employment.
Contact:
Director
Women's Bureau
Department of Labor
Washington, D.C. 20210
(202) 523-6652 (Information Office)
Energy
General
The Office of Consumer Affairs in the
Department of Energy (DOE) acts as
a liaison between consumers, special
groups and organizations, and policy-
makers within DOE. It encourages
consumer participation in DOE pro-
cesses and represents consumers in
DOE policy and decision-making.
Contact:
Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
Department of Energy
Washington, D.C. 20585
(202) 252-5141
Utilities, Fuel Oil,
Propane and Gasoline
The Economic Regulatory Adminis-
tration (ERA) regulates the oil indus-
try, administers the Public Utility
Reform Policy Act and carries out
many of the Department of Energy's
(DOE) energy emergency standby
programs. DOE does not set residen-
tial utility rates, so ERA must refer
consumers to the state public service
commission responsible for investi-
gating their utility complaints. Con-
sumers should direct such problems to
state public service commissions (See
SECTION III for a listing of these
commissions.) ERA operates a toll-
free hotline to receive consumer com-
plaints on gasoline and heating oil
supplies and prices.
Contact:
Administrator
Economic Regulatory
Administration
2000 M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20461
800-424-9246
(202) 254-5474 (In Washington, D.C.)
Nuclear Regulation
The Nuclear Regulatory Commis-
sion's (NRC) purpose is to assure that
the civilian uses of nuclear materials
and facilities are consistent with the
public health and safety, environmen-
tal quality, national security, and the
antitrust laws. The major share of the
Commission's effort is focused on the
use of nuclear energy to generate
electric power.
NRC licenses persons and com-
panies to build and operate nuclear
reactors and to own and use nuclear
materials, and makes rules and sets
standards for these licenses. The NRC
also inspects the activities of licensees
to make sure they follow the Commis-
sion's safety rules.
Contact:
Office of Public Affairs
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, D.C. 20555
(202) 492-7715
Solar Energy
The Department of Housing and
Urban Development and the De-
partment of Energy have jointly
funded the National Solar Energy
Heating and Cooling Information
Center. The Center provides technical
and nontechnical solar energy infor-
mation, including commercial avail-
ability of solar installations for heating
and cooling, state solar energy pro-
grams and state tax credits. Although
the Center cannot investigate indivi-
dual complaints, it will forward solar
energy complaints to the appropriate
government agency.
Contact:
Director
National Solar Heating and Cooling
Information Center
P.O. Box 1607
Rockville, Maryland 20850
800-462-4983
800-523-2929 (In Pennsylvania)
800-523-4700 (In Alaska and Hawaii)
Technical and
Nontechnical Information
The Technical Information Center
(TIC) in the Department of Energy,
collects, processes and distributes
both technical and nontechnical en-
ergy information. In addition to distri-
buting reports, brochures, fact sheets,
technology application manuals and
pamphlets, TIC maintains the DOE na-
tional film lending library. TIC provides
technical reference services and pro-
duces abstract journals and indices on
various subjects. Through its educa-
tional services program, TIC assists
students, teachers and the general
public in their studies of energy issues.
Contact:
Manager
DOE Technical Information Center
P.O. Box 62
Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830
(615) 576-1304
Environment
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is charged by Congress
to protect the Nation's land, air and
water systems. Under a mandate of
national environmental laws, the
Agency's programs focus on air, noise,
radiation, water quality, drinking water,
solid waste, hazardous waste, toxic
substances, and pesticides.
Many of the Agency's programs in-
clude Congressional mandates to
develop and enforce regulations,
provide technical assistance, pro-
vide information, and grants, and
28
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require public participation in the
Agency's decision-making processes.
The Agency is highly decentralized.
EPA's 10 regional offices work closely
with state agencies to implement
environmental laws.
The Agency's goal is to achieve a
compatible balance between human
activities and the natural systems
which support and nurture life.
Following are addresses and phone
numbers for frequently contacted
offices:
Consumer Complaints
Public Information Center (PM-215)
Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460
(202) 755-0707
Fuel Economy
EPA tests automobiles to make sure
they meet Federal emission standards
and compiles information about the
gas mileage consumers can expect
from their automobiles. Copies of a
booklet on these gas mileage figures
can be obtained from:
Printing Management
Office (PM-215)
Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460
Illegal Dumping of Wastes
Some hazardous wastes are dumped
illegally. To find out if this is being done
near where you live, call your nearest
EPA regional office. See page 51.
Bottled Water
Many people are concerned about the
quality of their drinking water and are
drinking bottled instead of tap water.
Not all bottled water is free from pollu-
tants. For more information, write or
call:
Public Information
Center (PM-215)
Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 24060
(202) 755-0707
Home Water Purifiers
EPA conducts studies on the effective-
ness of these devices and can provide
information on study results.
Public Information
Center (PM-215)
Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460
(202) 755-0707
Pesticide Storage
Contact EPA to find out about proper
pesticide storage and disposal.
Public Information
Center (PM-215)
Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460
(202) 755-0707
Pesticides for Home Use
EPA certifies all pesticides used in the
U.S. and has information about proper
home pesticide use.
Public Information
Center (PM-215)
Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460
(202) 755-0707
Information
About Chemicals
Questions about chemicals and their
potential dangers can be answered by
calling the following toll-free number.
Office ot Toxic
Substances (TS-799)
Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460
800-424-9065
(202) 554-1404 (In Washington, D.C.)
Asbestos Materials
Used in Some Schools
Some schools, older ones in particular,
had asbestos used in their construc-
tion. When this asbestos or its protec-
An explanation of the symbols used in this section can be found on page 11.
live covering deteriorates, particles are
released into the air. EPA has infor-
mation about a program to identify
these schools and assist communities
in remedying the problem.
Public Information 'JL
Center (PM-215) Tt
Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460
(202) 755-0707
Federal
Regulations
Dial-a-Reg
The Office of the Federal Register
(OFR) provides information on Federal
regulations and proposals through
their recorded "Dial-a-Reg" phone
messages. Dial-a-Reg gives advance
information on significant documents
to be published in the Federal Register
the following day. The service is cur-
rently available in the following three
cities:
Washington, D.C.
(202) 523-5022
Chicago, Illinois
(312) 663-0884
Los Angeles, California
(213) 688-6694
Notices of Proposed and
New Federal Regulations
The Federal Register is a five-day-a-
week publication to tell the public about
proposed and new government regula-
tions. It includes Presidential procla-
mations, Executive Orders and other
Presidential documents.
The Federal Register is available
through government depository li-
braries or may be ordered from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Wash-
ington, D.C. 20402 for $.75 copy/$5-00
month/$50.00 year.
29
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Contact:
Director
Office of the Federal Register
National Archives and
Records Service
Washington, O.C. 20408
(202) 523-5240
Workshops
Workshops on "How To Use the Fed-
era/ Register" are conducted by the
Office of the Federal Register on a
regular basis in Washington, D.C. and
in selected cities. These three-hour
sessions provide helpful information
about how to keep up with Federal reg-
ulations and hints on how to more
effectively use the daily Federal
Register.
Contact:
Workshops Coordinator (NFP)
Office of the Federal Register
Washington, D.C. 20408
(202) 523-5235
Food
Safety and Quality—
General
The Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) assures that all food and food
additives, other than meat and poultry
or those containing meat and poultry,
are safe, pure, and wholesome, and
honestly and informatively packaged
and labeled.
If you find unsanitary, contaminated,
or mislabeled foods, contact the FDA.
Complaints are reviewed and may lead
to a field investigation. FDA will take
corrective action if necessary.
Contact:
Director
Consumer Communications, HFJ-10
Food and Drug Administration
Department of Health, Education
and Welfare
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20857
(301)443-3170
Meat and Poultry
The Food Safety and Quality Service
(FSQS) of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) assures that
meat and poultry—and products made
from them—are safe, wholesome and
truthfully labeled.
In packing, housing and processing
plants, FSQS inspects meat and poul-
try products for sanitation, accurate
labeling, and proper use of food addi-
tives. FSQS also monitors meat and
poultry to detect potentially hazardous
residues above the levels set by FDA.
In the case of suspected food poi-
soning from meat or poultry, FSQS
recommends contacting a doctor or
local public health authority who will
contact USDA's Meatborne Hazard
Control Center, Agricultural Research
Center, Beltsville, Maryland 20705
(301)345-6888.
Contact: (J)©
Meat and Poultry Inspection
Food Safety and Quality Service
Department of Agriculture
Washington, D.C. 20250
(202) 447-3473
Inspection and Grading
Meat and Poultry, Eggs,
Dairy Products,
Fruits and Vegetables
The Food Safety and Quality Service
(FSQS) of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) provides volun-
tary grading services and develops
grade standards for meat, poultry,
eggs, dairy products and fresh or
processed fruits and vegetables. In
addition, egg products are inspected
for freshness and quality.
FSQS investigates individual com-
plaints concerning the freshness and
quality of egg products and the grading
of dairy products, eggs, poultry or
meat.
The grading staff does not investi-
gate complaints on fresh or processed
fruits and vegetables, but recommends
contacting the Food and Drug Admin-
istration (See: FOOD/Safety and
Quality—General); or for a complaint
about fresh produce, contact the su-
permarket where purchased.
Contact:
Commodity Services
Food Safety and Quality Service
Department of Agriculture
Washington, D.C. 20250
(202) 447-4016
Inspection and Grading/
Fish
The National Marine Fisheries Ser-
vice (NMFS) runs a voluntary inspec-
tion and grading program for fish and
fish products. In addition, NMFS de-
velops standards and specifications for
quality, conditions, quantity, grade and
packaging for fish and fishery plants
and products. NMFS has a consumer
education program on the voluntary
fishery inspection service and infor-
mation on the nutritional value, prep-
aration and availability of fishery
products.
Contact:
Inspection and Safety Division
National Marine Fisheries Service
Department of Commerce
Washington, D.C. 20235
(202) 634-7458
Food Stamps and Food
Assistance Programs
The Food and Nutrition Service
(FNS) of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) administers pro-
grams that make food assistance avail-
able to the needy. The largest program
is the food stamp program which pro-
vides food coupons to needy people so
they can increase their food buying
power. FNS administers other pro-
grams aimed at children in low-income
families, such as the National School
Lunch Program and School Break-
fast Program. Another FNS program
is the Special Supplemental Food
30
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Program for Women, Infants and
Children. This program gives nutri-
tious food to pregnant and nursing
women, and infants and children under
five who have special nutritional
needs.
Contact:
Local or State Welfare Office
or
Local Health Department
or
Administrator
Food and Nutrition Service
Department of Agriculture
Washington, D.C. 20250
(202) 447-8384
Consumer Information
Meat and Poultry, Eggs,
Dairy Products,
Fruits and Vegetables
The Food Safety and Quality Service
(FSQS) of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) provides infor-
mation on its activities and publishes a
variety of educational materials on
such subjects as food safety and
purchasing.
Contact:
Information Division
Food Safety and Quality Service
Department of Agriculture
Washington, D.C. 20250
(202)447-9113
Nutrition
The Science and Education Admin-
istration (SEA) of the U.S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture (USDA) has a
food and nutrition library which can be
used by the general public.
Contact:
Food and Nutrition Information
and Educational Resources
Center
Technical Information Systems,
SEA/USDA
National Agricultural Library
Building
Beltsville, Maryland 20705
(301)344-3719
Extension Service
The Extension Service, a division
of the Science and Education Ad-
ministration (SEA) of the U.S. De-
partment of Agriculture, serves as
the national office for the U.S.
Cooperative Extension System.
The Cooperative Extension Ser-
vice is a three-way partnership includ-
ing the state land-grant universities,
the Department of Agriculture and
the county government. The land-grant
university is headquarters for the staff
specialists in agriculture, home eco-
nomics, 4-H youth work, marketing,
community development, environment
and other related areas.
How does Extension help in some of
these areas? In the agriculture and
resources area, for example, Exten-
sion staffs advise farmers and the
managers of agricultural businesses
on the best ways to grow, market,
process and use farm products.
Extension home economists provide
information on new and useful ideas for
homemaking and family living. Their
educational programs focus on family-
related concerns such as food and
nutrition; housing; consumer educa-
tion on use of money, credit and other
resources; development of healthy
human and family relationships; and
clothing for function, utility and
economy.
The 4-H coeducational youth pro-
gram involves about five and one-half
million young people from all races, in-
comes and backgrounds. Objectives of
this program include developing lead-
ership talents and abilities and devel-
oping traits of healthful living and intell-
igent use of leisure time.
Contact:
Look under county government for
Extension Service
or
Check with the State Extension
Service located at the state land-grant
university
or f~,
Information Staff —y
Publication Requests and Distribution
Science and Education Administration
Department of Agriculture
Washington, D.C. 20250
(202) 447-4111
Funerals
The multi-billion-dollar funeral industry
may soon be regulated by the Federal
Trade Commission (FTC). Presently.
funeral directors, morticians and em-
balmers are all regulated by state
licensing boards. For a description of
licensing boards, see SECTION I.
These boards are primarily more con-
cerned with procedural competence
than with business practices. Local
and state consumer offices can direct
consumers to the correct licensing
boards.
The FTC, concerned about business
practices, conducted a long investi-
gation which showed that many people
were sold more funeral services than
needed at prices they couldn't afford.
The FTC rules will require funeral di-
rectors to: (1) give consumers an
itemized bill for all goods and services,
(2) list the complete line of caskets and
price of each, and (3) disclose other
important information about the goods
and services.
Contact:
Office of the Secretary
Federal Trade Commission
Washington, D.C. 20580
(202) 523-3600
Funerals:
Consumer Tips
To avoid lavish, expensive funerals.
growing numbers of people are turning
to "memorial societies." These soci-
eties are nonprofit cooperative asso-
ciations that help members locate
An exp/anaflbn of the symbols used in tfws section can be found on page 11.
31
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funeral homes providing basic services
at reasonable prices. The one-time fee
to join ranges from $5,00 to $25.00. For
a listing of these societies and addi-
tional details, contact the Continental
Association of Funeral and Memorial
Societies, 1828 L Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20036.
Remember that funeral services are
a separate purchase from burial
(cemetery) plots.
The Social Security Administra-
tion (SSA) will pay $255.00 for me-
morial/funeral services or for a burial
plot for those with an insured earnings
record. (One does not have to be re-
ceiving Social Security benefits at time
of death for survivors to receive pay-
ment Check with SSA for further in-
formation. Payment is made to a
funeral director or other person in-
volved with the arrangements. For
more information contact the local
Social Security office found in the
phone book white pages under "United
States Government." (Also see:
SOCIAL SECURITY.)
Handicapped
General
The Office for Handicapped Indivi-
duals of the Department of Health,
Education and Welfare is the focal
point for Federal Government pro-
grams for the handicapped. It has a
handicapped clearinghouse which
responds to inquiries from handi-
capped individuals and families, ser-
vice personnel, government agencies
and the general public.
Contact:
Chief
Clearinghouse on the Handicapped
Office for Handicapped
Individuals
Department of Health, Education
and Welfare
Washington, D.C. 20201
(202)245-1961
Reading Materials for
the Blind and
Physically Handicapped
The National Library Service for the
Blind and Physically Handicapped
of the Library of Congress, distri-
butes talking and braille books and
magazines through 160 selected re-
gional libraries. Information on the
program is available at local libraries
and the Library of Congress.
Contact:
Director
National Library Service for
the Blind and Physically
Handicapped
1291 Taylor Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20542
(202) 882-5500
Architectural Barriers
The Architectural Transportation
Barriers Compliance Board enforces
the Federal Minimum Standard as set
in the 1968 Architectural Barriers
Act for all Federally-funded transpor-
tation, communications and buildings.
Contact:
Director
Architectural Transportation
Barriers Compliance Board
330 C Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
(202)245-1591
Health Care
General
The Public Health Service (PHS)
works to advance and protect the
health of the American people. PHS
also fosters cooperation in health
projects with other nations. Among
the agencies under PHS are the Na-
tional Institutes of Health; Center
for Disease Control; Alcohol, Drug
Abuse, and Mental Health Admin-
istration; and the Food and Drug
Administration.
Contact:
Director
Office of Public Affairs
Public Health Service
Department of Health, Education
and Welfare
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
(202) 245-6867
Complaints and Information
About Doctors, Dentists,
Hospitals
Questions or complaints regarding a
local doctor, dentist or hospital are
handled at the state level by the appro-
priate licensing board or the state
health department. Local or state con-
sumer affairs offices can direct con-
sumers to the correct office. For an
explanation of state licensing boards,
see SECTION I, page 3. For a listing
of state and local consumer offices see
SECTION III.
Medicare
Medicare is a national insurance pro-
gram admininstered by the Federal
Government. Generally, the following
are eligible (1) people 65 years or
older, (2) disabled people under age 65
who have been entitled to Social
Security disability payments for at
least 24 consecutive months (or rail-
road retirement benefits based on dis-
ability for at least 29 consecutive
months), or (3) people insured under
Social Security or the railroad re-
tirement system who need dialysis
treatment or a kidney transplant
because of permanent kidney failure.
Contact:
Local Social Security Office
or
Area Medicare Carrier
(Look under "Medicare" in the local
telephone directory.)
32
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Medicaid
Medicaid is a public assistance pro-
gram financed by Federal, state and
local governments. Generally, low in-
come people who are 65 or older, blind,
disabled or are members of families
with dependent children, are eligible.
Each state designs its own program
based on Federal guidelines. With the
exception of Arizona, all states, as well
as the District of Columbia, Puerto
Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam,
have Medicaid programs.
Contact:
Local Welfare Office or
State Medicaid Office
or
Director
Consumer Affairs Staff
Health Care Financing
Administration
Department of Health, Education
and Welfare
Washington, D.C. 20201
(202) 245-0734
Second Opinions for
Non-Emergency Surgery
One way to help lower medical costs
and fight inflation is to reduce the
amount of unnecessary non-
emergency surgery by seeking a
second opinion before consenting to
have an operation. A second physi-
cian's finding that surgery is unneeded
not only can save money, but can also
save a patient considerable discomfort
and worry, or provide reassurance and
confirmation of a personal physician's
advice.
The Health Care Financing Ad-
ministration (HCFA) of the De-
partment of Health, Education and
Welfare has set up a toll-free hotline to
provide referral information to citizens
who want second opinions. If you want
a second opinion, and you're not cer-
tain how to go about it, call the toll-free
hotline below and you will be given the
name and phone number of the medi-
cal referral center in your area.
Medicare and Medicaid programs
make partial payments for second opin-
ions. Those covered by private health
insurance plans should check their
policies to determine the extent of
coverage for second opinions.
Contact:
800-638-6833
800-492-6603 (In Maryland)
or
Surgery
Health Care Financing
Administration
Washington, D.C. 20201
(202) 245-0381
Mental Health
The Alcohol, Drug Abuses, and Men-
tal Health Administration (ADAMHA)
develops and coordinates Federal pro-
grams for the prevention, control and
treatment of mental illness The Na-
tional Institute of Mental Health
(NIMH), a division of ADAMHA, main-
tains a mental health information
clearinghouse.
NiMH has publications available on
such subjects as parenthood, coping
with stress and guilt, and learning
disabilities such as dyslexia.
Contact:
Director
National Clearinghouse for
Mental Health Information
Department of Health, Education
and Welfare
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20852
(301) 443-4513
Health Research
The National Institutes of Health
(NIH) conduct and support research on
the causes, prevention and cure of dis-
eases. Some of the major components
of NIH are the National Cancer Insti-
tute; National Heart, Lung and
Blood Institute; National Eye Insti-
tute; National Institute on Aging;
and National Institute of Arthritis,
Metabolism, and Digestive Dis-
eases. Each of the Institutes has a
wealth of information, in both technical
and non-technical language, available
to the public.
Contact:
Director
Division of Public Information
National Institutes of Hearth
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland 20014
(301)496-5787
The Center for Disease Control
(CDC) provides leadership and di-
rection in the prevention and con-
trol of disease and other preventable
conditions.
CDC has a general information
packet available with leaflets on symp-
toms, diagnosis, treatment and pre-
vention of various diseases and condi-
tions such as malaria, tetanus and
mumps. Other technical information on
lab procedures, immunizations, etc.,
are available upon specific request
Contact:
Public Inquiries
Center for Disease Control
U.S. Public Health Service
Atlanta, Georgia 30333
(404) 329-3534
Health Maintenance
Organizations
The Office of Health Maintenance
Organizations, a division of the Pub-
lic Health Service, promotes the de-
velopment of Health Maintenance
Organizations (HMOs).
Membership in these health plans
can be obtained through employment
groups where a choice is offered be-
tween traditional health plans and
HMOs. HMOs differ from traditional
group health insurance by actually
providing the service rather than only
paying medical bills.
An explanation of the symbols used in this section can be found on page 11.
33
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HMOs provide a complete range of
health benefits, including preventive
care, regular checkups, office visits,
and full hospitalization. HMOs hold
down hospital costs by reducing the
number of days their members spend
in hospitals to less than half the
national average. This record is
achieved through extensive use of
outpatient services and educational
and preventive programs.
Contact:
Director
Division of Program Promotion
The Office of Health
Maintenance Organizations
Department of Heatlh, Education
and Welfare
12420 Parklawn Drive
Rockville, Maryland 20857
800-638-6686
(301) 443-2300 (In Maryland)
Hearing Aids
The Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) regulates part of the hearing aid
industry. FDA requires that hearing
aids be clearly and permanently
marked with the manufacturer's name,
the name of the model, a serial num-
ber, the year it was made, and a "+"
symbol to show the postive connection
for battery insertion. FDA also requires
people buying hearing aids to have a
hearing test before purchase, although
people over 18 may waive this test.
The FTC is proposing additional pro-
tection for hearing aid users. They
would require hearing aid dealers to
offer a trial period for customers to
decide whether the device is right for
them. Although the FTC's rule is not
final, a consumer buying a hearing aid
may wish to request a trial period.
Contact:
Director
Consumer Communications
Food and Drug Administration
Department of Health, Education
and Welfare
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20857
(301) 443-3170
Buying Hearing Aids:
Consumer Tips
• Before buying a hearing aid, have
your hearing tested by a doctor or
qualified hearing specialist.
• Shop around. Make sure the price
includes everything—including the ear
mold for fitting the aid.
• Compare warranties.
• Ask for an instruction booklet on
using and repairing the aid.
• Check the reputation of the hear-
ing aid dealer with a doctor, consumer
protection agency or Better Business
Bureau.
Housing
General
The Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) provides
assistance for individuals and com-
munities. Programs include: multi- and
single-family home mortgage insur-
ance; condominium and cooperative
housing; military, college, elderly and
handicapped housing; fair housing and
equal opportunity; graduated payment
mortgages; homeownership and rental
assistance for low and moderate-
income families; urban homesteading;
interstate land sales; real estate settle-
ment procedures; mobile homes;
neighborhood development; public
housing; rehabilitation; rent supple-
ments; and urban beautification.
Some of these programs are de-
scribed below. For further information
on these and other programs, or to
register a complaint about any service
or program provided by HUD, it is best
to write directly to a HUD regional office
listed on page 50. (Also see Home-
owner Protection Programs de-
scribed in SECTION I, page 9.)
Contact:
-------
If you have a problem with an FHA-
insured loan, contact the HUD regional
office nearest you for assistance. A list
of these offices may be found on
page 50.
Discrimination
The Fair Housing and Equal Oppor-
tunity Office at the Department of
Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) is responsible for administering
the Civil Rights Act of 1968 that pro-
hibits discrimination in housing, em-
ployment and business opportunities.
In particular, HUD enforces the Act's
regulations that no one can be denied
housing because of race, color, reli-
gion, sex, age, or national origin.
Types of housing discrimination of-
ten investigated by HUD officials are:
• Steering—being directed to buy
or rent in a particular neighborhood or
building.
• Redlining—being denied a mort-
gage for a home in a location boycotted
by lending institutions.
• Discriminating in sales—being re-
jected as the buyer of a home for other
than financial reasons.
Contact:
Director
Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
Department of Housing and
Urban Development
Washington, D.C. 20410
800-424-8590
(202) 755-7252 (In Washington, D.C.)
Homebuying, Selling and
Real Estate Settlements
The Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) admin-
isters the Real Estate Settlement
Procedures Act (RESPA) which re-
quires that settlement cost estimates
be given to homebuyers before settle-
ment. Attorney, title insurance and
other fees must be disclosed at the
time of mortgage application. When
applying for a mortgage, a buyer also
receives a booklet describing how the
settlement process works and an ex-
planation of the charges a buyer will be
expected to pay. At settlement, home-
buyers and sellers are entitled to re-
ceive a statement listing all of their
costs.
RESPA also prohibits the payment
or receipt of kickbacks or unearned
fees and prohibits the collection and
maintenance of accounts that would
require the borrower to deposit taxes
and insurance payments for more than
12 months.
Contact:
Director
Real Estate Practices Division
Office of Neighborhoods,
Voluntary Associations and
Consumer Protection
Department of Housing and
Urban Development
451 7th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20410
(202) 755-7038
Mobile Homes
Sales and Warranties
The Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) is investigating sales and war-
ranty service practices by mobile home
manufacturers. Complaints about mo-
bile home sales or service should be
directed to the FTC.
Contact:
Office of the Secretary
Federal Trade Commission
Washington, D.C. 20580
(202) 523-3600
Construction and
Safety Standards
The Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) issues
Federal mobile home construction and
safety standards for mobile homes
built after June 15, 1976. If a mobile
home has a safety-related defect
caused by improper design or con-
struction, the manufacturer must repair
it. In addition, remedies for defective
mobile homes may be available under
state or local laws, particularly rf the
defect is covered by a warranty.
Consult the consumer manual pro-
vided by the dealer for information on
who to contact if you have a complaint
or
Contact:
Director
Office of Mobile Home Standards
Department of Housing and
Urban Development
Washington, D.C. 20410
(202) 755-5595
Interstate Land Sales
The Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) admin-
isters and enforces disclosure and
registration requirements for devel-
opers selling land through any means
of interstate commerce, including the
mails.
Under the law, developers having
subdivisions containing 50 lots or more
must: (1) file a statement of record with
the Office of Interstate Land Sales
listing information about the ownership
of the land, the state of its title, its
physical nature, the availability of
roads and utilities, and other matters;
(2) furnish each purchaser a printed
property report at least 72 hours before
signing an agreement for purchase or
lease; and (3) must not use fraud or
misrepresentation in the sale or pro-
motion of the land.
Contact:
Director
Office of Interstate Land Sales
Department of Housing and
Urban Development
Washington, D.C. 20410
(202) 755-8182
An explanation of the symbols used in this section can be found on page 11.
35
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Housing:
Consumer Tips
Renting
While landlord/tenant laws and regula-
tions vary from state to state and from
city to city, there are a number of gen-
eral consumer guidelines and precau-
tions that apply almost anywhere.
• Thoroughly check out rentals.
Look for dirt, grease, broken windows
and doors, and other damage. Check
the appliances and heating/cooling
system to make sure it is in good
working order. Make a list of all
problems, date it and have it signed by
the landlord. This may seem like a
time-consuming task, but it may help
you get back all of your security
deposit.
• Investigate the length of time and
terms of the rental agreement or lease
offered. Many landlords require
leases, which are written and dated
legal contracts. A tenant agrees to rent
the unit for the amount of time specified
and to follow all the conditions in the
lease. If rent is paid and conditions are
followed, tenants have the right to live
in the dwelling. Question and bargain
over any clauses in the lease that do
not seem reasonable.
The following are a few provisions
that may be included in a lease and
may be illegal. Find out from your state
or local consumer or housing office if
they are legal, and if not, tell the land-
lord; do not sign the lease and report
the discrepancies to the authorities.
• A clause which makes the tenant
accept the blame in any dispute with
the landlord and even pay the land-
lord's legal expenses.
• A clause which permits the land-
lord to take personal property for un-
paid rent.
* A clause which lets the landlord
retaliate (evict, shut off utilities) if
tenants report housing code violations
and make other complaints.
• A clause which forces tenants to
continue paying rent if the dwelling has
been severely damaged by a disaster.
Many consumer offices and local
housing authorities have renters'
guides which fist tenant rights and
responsibilities. If available, pick one
up and study it before signing a lease.
Repair and Remodeling
Complaints with home improvement
contractors are among the top five
consumer problems reported. Al-
though the Federal Government has
little control over the conduct of local
housing contractors, here are a few
helpful tips:
• Get written estimates from two or
three reliable contractors to determine
total costs. Beware of high pressure
sales techniques. (Also see: DOOR-
TO-DOOR SALES.)
• Review a contract carefully before
signing.
• Beware of people who want full
payment in advance. Should the con-
tractor fail to do the work, the ability
to withhold payment has been lost.
• Check a contractor's reliability
and performance with the Better Busi-
ness Bureau or the local consumer
protection office.
• Plumbers, electricians, carpenters
and general contractors are usually
licensed by state licensing boards. Ask
to see their licenses. (See SECTION I,
page 3 for a discussion of these
boards.)
Buying a Mobile Home
When shopping for a mobile home,
remember that the price usually in-
cludes only the unit itself and not the
cost of a place to put it. These costs
vary greatly, depending on the site and
whether you buy or rent it.
Other pointers:
• Make sure you know all the costs.
Transportation to the location plus the
full cost of the initial "set up," including
water, sewage and electric power
hook-up, may all be extra costs.
• Check with your local Better Busi-
ness Bureau or consumer affairs office
(see SECTION III) to see if there have
been complaints about your mobile
home firm. Also, ask the firm trans-
porting and setting up your home for
references. Check them out.
• Ask the dealer for installation
instructions, a consumer manual and
purchase record cards.
• Check the data plate in the unit to
be sure that the unit is designed for the
weather conditions where you live.
• Shop around for insurance and
financing even though they may be of-
fered through your dealer. Compare
rates with banks, savings and loans,
other credit lenders and insurance
companies.
• Be sure the manufacturer provides
a warranty—look it over carefully. How
long does it last? Does it cover parts
and labor? Will local warranty service
be available?
Immigration and
Naturalization
The Immigration and Naturalization
Service of the Department of Justice
administers immigration and naturali-
zation laws on the admission, exclu-
sion, deportation and naturalization of
aliens.
Contact:
Assistant Commissioner
Information Services Division
Immigration and Naturalization
Service
Department of Justice
425 Eye Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20536
(202) 633-2989
Insurance
Insurance regulation is handled almost
entirely at the state level by an insur-
ance commissioner, director, or other
official who implements and enforces
state laws and regulations. The state
insurance commissioner's office may
36
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be able to help with insurance prob-
lems that have not been resolved by
contacting the insurance company.
(Keep in mind that company decisions
—such as claim denials— can be
appealed within the company.) Many
of these offices also provide buyers'
guides and other useful purchasing
information. (For a listing of these
offices see SECTION III.)
Federal involvement in insurance is
generally limited to the following
programs:
Crime Insurance
The Federal Emergency Manage-
ment Agency (FEMA) administers the
Federal Crime Insurance Program
which enables businesses and private
individuals to purchase burglary and
robbery insurance where crime insur-
ance is difficult to obtain or too
expensive in the private market.
Contact:
Federal Insurance Administrator
Federal Emergency Management
Agency
Washington, D.C. 20410
(202) 652-2637 (In Washington, D.C.)
800-638-8780
Flood Insurance
The Federal Emergency Manage-
ment Agency (FEMA) administers the
National Flood Insurance Program
which provides Federally subsidized
flood insurance to property owners in
participating flood-prone communities.
Buildings and their contents are eli-
gible for insurance under the program.
Contact: ^) ©"Itf
Federal Insurance Administrator
Federal Emergency Management
Agency
Washington, D.C.
(202) 472-2381 (In Washington, D.C.)
800-424-8872, 8873
Riot Reinsurance
The Federal Emergency Manage-
ment Agency (FEMA) administers the
Federal Riot Reinsurance Program,
created after the riots of the 1960s, to
provide an inducement to states to
create Fair Access to Insurance
Requirements (FAIR) plans. These
are statewide pools of insurers who
agree, in exchange for Federal riot
reinsurance, to provide property
owners in state-designated areas with
access to fire, extended coverage,
vandalism, and malicious mischief
insurance. Some FAIR plans, notably
in Massachusetts and Illinois, also
provide basic homeowners insurance.
Contact:
Federal Insurance Administrator
Federal Emergency Management
Agency
Washington, D.C. 20410
(202) 755-7894
Investments and
Business
Opportunities
Commodity Futures Trading
The Commodity Futures Trading
Commission (CFTC) regulates trad-
ing in commodity futures and certain
other transactions such as options,
leverage and deferred deliveries that
call for future delivery of a commodity.
It does not regulate ordinary cash
transactions. CFTC's regulatory
authority applies to transactions both
on and off U.S. commodity exchanges.
Commodities for which contracts
are traded fall into three general
categories—farm products such as
wheat, metals such as gold, and finan-
cial instruments such as U.S. Treasury
bills. All contracts traded on domestic
exchanges must be approved by the
CFTC, and in general all persons and
firms who trade contracts for others.
or who provide trading advice, must
register with the Commission.
The agency's mission includes pre-
venting market manipulation and pro-
tecting customers who buy and sell
contracts. Consumer services include
a reparations procedure through which
customers can make claims against
brokers and salespeople, and a toll-
free information line.
Contact: ' £J Q1 ^f ^
Office of Public Information
Commodity Futures Trading
Commission
2033 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20581 ^
800-424-9838 ^=2
(202) 254-8630 (In Washington, D.C.)
800-424-9707 (In Alaska and Hawaii)
Business Opportunity
Ventures, Franchises,
Idea Promotions _
Because of numerous complaints from
investors in franchises and other
business opportunity ventures, the
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
has adopted a trade regulation rule
governing these areas. It requires a
franchisor to disclose to potential
investors facts about its business and
the franchise relationship, and prohi-
bits misrepresentation of actual or
potential sales income or profits. The
rule also requires the franchisor to
make promised refunds.
Contact:
Office of the Secretary
Federal Trade Commission
Washington, D.C. 20580
(202) 523-3600
Business Management
Assistance
The Industry and Trade Administra-
tion (ITA) of the Department of
Commerce provides information and
An explanation of the symbols used in this section can be found on page 11.
37
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education tor those interested in start-
ing a business franchise, obtaining a
patent or needing management assis-
tance. ITA also offers marketing coun-
seling and assistance for domestic and
international markets.
Contact:
Director
Office of Ombudsman
Industry and Trade Administration
Department of Commerce
Washington, D.C. 20230
(202) 377-3176
Small Business
The Small Business Administration
(SBA) runs several loan programs for
small businesses and offers counsel-
ing, management assistance pro-
grams, and business workshops for
persons going into or already in busi-
ness. Small business owners can
contact SBA for information about
obtaining Federal contracts. The
SBA's Regional Office for your area is
listed on page 55.
Stocks and Bonds
The securities laws administered by
the Securities and Exchange Com-
mission (SEC) protect investors by
preventing fraud in the buying and sell-
ing of securities. Corporations under
the SEC's jurisdiction must disclose in
their prospectuses, proxy statements
and periodic reports filed with the
Commission, financial and other infor-
mation so investors can make in-
formed investment decisions and vote
their shares. Although the SEC does
not have the power to protect security
holders against loss due to economic
developments or company operations,
the Commission tries to ensure compli-
ance with the full disclosure require-
ments of the Federal securities laws.
The SEC's Office of Consumer
Affairs (OCA) receives and processes
complaints and inquiries from indivi-
dual investors and the public. It works
closely with the SEC's regional and
branch offices to insure that investors
can get assistance in convenient
locations.
OCA also represents the interests of
individual investors to the Commis-
sion. It monitors the concerns of indivi-
dual investors and recommends regu-
latory action or new policies to prevent
consumer problems.
The Commission has published sev-
eral easy-to-read brochures explaining
various aspects of investing, the func-
tions of the Commission and ways in
which the Commission can help indivi-
dual investors. These publications are
available upon request. (Also see:
Securities Exchanges and Associa-
tions in SECTION I, page 9.)
Contact:
Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
Securities and Exchange
Commission
500 N. Capitol Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549
(202) 523-3952
Investments:
Consumer Tips
• Study the required disclosure
statement and proposed contracts
carefully.
• Consult with a lawyer and other
professional advisors before signing a
contract.
• Be sure that all promises made by
the seller are clearly written into the
contracts.
• Talk with others who have already
invested in the business. Find out
about their experiences.
Low-Income
Consumers
Low-income consumers often lack
mobility, the cash to make quantity
food purchases and access to credit
under the standards imposed by repu-
table stores. Frequently, low-income
consumers have few shopping options
and they must pay more for lower quali-
ty products. Substantial purchases
(furniture, large appliances, etc.) must
often be made at exorbitant prices,
terms and at high interest rates.
The U.S. Community Services
Administration (CSA) focuses its at-
tention and efforts on these consum-
ers. CSA consumer programs have
been funded to educate, activate,
organize, and assist low-income con-
sumers in developing alternative eco-
nomic instruments such as credit
unions, cooperatives and buying clubs.
Although CSA does not offer direct
consumer complaint assistance, it
does develop consumer education pro-
grams. For example: comparison
shopping surveys, Food Stamp semi-
nars, nutrition classes and financial
counseling.
CSA operates through 10 regional
offices and 878 Community Action
Agencies, many of which offer con-
sumer services. See page 49 for ad-
dresses of regional offices. CSA also
offers occasional grants to self-help
consumer groups. These grants are
awarded through the regional offices.
Information on setting up co-ops, con-
sumer action groups and buying clubs
is available from the address below:
Contact:
Consumer Coordinator
Community Services
Administration
1200 19th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20506
(202) 632-6694
Mail
Mail Service
The Consumer Advocate at the U.S.
Postal Service (USPS) represents
consumers at top management .levels
of USPS.
When a problem with mail service
arises, consumers should complete
a Consumer Service Card which is
available from letter carriers and post
38
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offices. (A postal employee will fill out
the card for those who wish to tele-
phone in the complaint.) This card
helps the postmaster respond to the
problem. If a problem cannot be re-
solved locally through use of the
Consumer Service Card or direct con-
tact with the post office, write the
Consumer Advocate.
The Postal Service is anxious to
receive suggestions and comments
from consumers. In many communities
the Postal Service sponsors Postal
Customer Councils, the purpose of
which is to hear from customers about
service problems and suggestions and
to help the public better understand the
Postal Service. The Councils conduct
mailing clinics, discussion panels,
seminars, and tours of postal facilities.
Contact your local postmaster to see if
there is a Council in your community.
Contact:
Local Postmaster
or
Consumer Advocate
U.S. Postal Service
Washington, D.C. 20260
(202) 245-4514
Mail Fraud and
Misrepresentation
The Inspection Service, headed by
the Chief Postal Inspector, is the law
enforcement and audit arm of the
Postal Service which performs secur-
ity, investigative, law enforcement and
audit functions. It is responsible for
investigations of approximately 85
Federal statutes relating to the Postal
Service. Mail fraud, false mail order
advertising, and unsatisfactory mail
order transactions all come under the
Inspection Service's jurisdiction.
Some examples include: chain letters;
work-at-home schemes; pyramid sales
promotions; exaggerated cosmetic,
diet, medical, and energy saving prod-
ucts; misused credit cards; coupon
redemption; false billing; and fran-
chising schemes.
Contact:
Local Postmaster
or
Local Postal Inspector
or
Chief Postal Inspector
U.S. Postal Service
Room 3517
Washington, D.C. 20260
(202) 245-5445
Mail Orders
The Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) has a rule requiring mail order
purchases to be shipped within the
time stated in the company's printed or
broadcasted offer. If no time is stated,
shipment must be within 30 days after
the company receives the order, un-
less the buyer is contacted and con-
sents to a delay.
Contact:
Federal Trade Commission
Office of the Secretary
Washington, D.C. 20580
(202) 523-3600
Unordered Merchandise
It is a violation of the Federal Trade
Commission Act to send unordered
merchandise through the mail unless it
is (1) a free sample and marked as
such, or (2) merchandise sent by a
charitable organization asking for a
contribution. By statute, consumers
may treat unordered merchandise as a
gift and do not have to pay for it. Per-
sons sending unordered merchandise
through' the mail are prohibited from
demanding payment. Moreover, billing
for unordered merchandise may con-
stitute mail fraud or misrepresentation.
Under law, the Postal Service can
declare the receipt of unordered mer-
chandise as a gift. However, the de-
mand for payment is an unfair business
practice which is in violation of law
under the jurisdiction of the Federal
Trade Commission.
ttt
Contact:
Local Postmaster
or
Chief Postal Inspector
U.S. Postal Service
Room 3517
Washington, D.C. 20260
(202) 245-5445
or
Federal Trade Commission
Office of the Secretary
Washington, D.C. 20580
(202) 523-3600
Unsolicited Mail
Individuals interested in stopping most
advertising mail, catalogs, and bro-
chures from coming to their homes
should contact the Direct Mail Mar-
keting Association at 6 East 43rd
Street, New York, New York 10017.
This organization will remove their
names from the mailing lists of its
members. While this won't stop all the
advertising mail, it will stop most of it
including most sweepstakes, contest
offers, samples, coupons, and cata-
logs. Also, for assistance in deter-
mining which charitable organizations
have legitimate fund-raising prac-
tices, contact the National Information
Bureau at 419 Park Avenue South,
New York, New York 10016, fora copy
of the Bureau's Wise Giving Guide.
Pornography
You can prevent delivery of unso-
licited, sexually oriented advertise-
ments to your mailbox by filling out a
Form 2201, Application for Listing
Pursuant to 39 USC 3010, at your local
post office. Thirty days from the date
your name is added to the reference
list, any mailer who sends you sexually
oriented advertisements is subject to
legal action by the Federal Govern-
ment. Moreover, regardless of whether
your name is on the reference list main-
tained by the Postal Service, you may
obtain an order prohibiting any further
mail from anyone who has sent you an
advertisement which you consider to
An explanation of the symbols used in this section can be found on page 11.
39
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be "erotically arousing or sexually
provocative." Form 2150, Notice for
Prohibitory Order Against Sender of
Pandering Advertisement in the Mails,
also available locally, may be used
for this purpose.
Mail Rates
The U.S. Postal Rate Commission
(PRO) studies proposed changes in
postal rates, fees, and mail classifi-
cation and issues decisions based on
these studies. The Commission also
investigates changes in mail service
proposed by the U.S. Postal Service.
Contact:
Director
Office of Information
Postal Rate Commission
Washington, D.C. 20268
(202) 254-5614
Legal Proceedings
Concerning Postal Rates
and Services
The U.S. Postal Rate Commission is
the Federal agency which serves as
the legal forum for proposed changes
in postal rates, fees, mail classifi-
cations (which are official definitions of
the different services available from
the Postal Service), or changes in the
nature of services, and Postal Service
decisions to close or consolidate small
post offices. The Commission also
investigates complaints concerning
postal rates, fees, mail classifications,
or services.
Contact:
Public Information Office
Postal Rate Commission
Washington, D.C. 20268
(202) 254-5614
Information on Current Mail Rates,
Fees and Services
Contact:
Office of Rates
Postal Service
Washington, D.C. 20260
(202) 245-4414
Information on Current Mail
Classification
Contact:
Office of Mail Classification
Postal Service
Washington, D.C. 20260
(202) 245-4512
Information on Small Post Office
Closings or Consolidations
Contact:
Delivery Services Department
Postal Service
Washington, D.C. 20260
(202) 245-5714
Mail:
Consumer Tips
For Good Mail Order
Service When You Buy*
• Comparison shop. Find out if the
merchandise is available from another
mail order source. If so, is the cost the
same or maybe even less?
• Check the advertising claims. Are
they too good to be true? Reliable firms
do not overpromise. Check the de-
scription of the product carefully and, if
you send for it, keep a copy of the ad or
catalog from which you ordered.
• Find out if there is a warranty.
Read it carefully. Does it offer your
money back if you're not satisfied?
• Check the time limit on delivery. If
none is stated, the maximum length of
time the Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) says all you have to wait is 30
days.
• Ask the company for a more de-
tailed description of the product or its
guaranteee if you have any doubts
about either.
When You Order
Merchandise by Mail
• Make sure your name and address
are clearly marked on the order form. If
you are ordering a gift, make doubly
sure that the name and address of the
person to whom you are sending it are
included and legible.
• Keep a copy of your order form and
any letters you send to the company.
Make sure you have the company's
correct address for future reference.
• Never send cash. Pay by check or
money order so you have a record that
you've paid. Be sure to include any
extra charges, shipping, handling, and
sales tax.
• Check the order immediately when
you receive it. Make sure it is what you
wanted and ordered, if not, notify the
company (it is best to do so in writing
and keep a copy of your letter) and
return the merchandise by certified
mail for a refund or exchange.
* Based on the Compleat California
Consumer Catalog, published by the
California Department of Consumer
Affairs.
Maps
The National Cartographic Informa-
tion Center (NCIC) provides a national
information service on maps, charts,
aerial and space photographs, geo-
detic control and other cartographic
data.
NCIC has information on data avail-
able, where to get it and how to place
orders.
Contact:
National Cartographic
Information Center
Geological Survey
507 National Center
Reston, Virginia 22092
(703) 860-6045
Metrication
The U.S. Metric Board was created by
Congress to plan and coordinate
voluntary conversion to the metric
system.
The Board is an independent agency
which monitors metric conversion
40
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activities to protect buyers and sellers
of metric products. Primary empha-
sis is on the rights and interests of
consumers.
To familiarize citizens with the metric
system so that conversion will be bene-
ficial and not cause unnecessary inter-
ruptions or hardship, the Board is
conducting an extensive public and
industry education program.
Contact:
Director of Public Information
Metric Board
Suite 600
1815 N.Lynn Street
Arlington, Virginia 22209
(703) 235-2820
Motor Vehicles
Automobiles
Automobile related problems involving
repair or service are the most frequent
source of consumer complaints. Prob-
lems often arise because consumers
do not check out the mechanic, service
station, auto dealership or other type
of repair shop before dropping off their
automobiles.
The Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) is concerned about automotive
industry problems and has been re-
viewing consumer complaints involv-
ing used cars, auto rust, and the
unavailability of repair parts, to name
a few.
Contact:
Office of the Secretary
Federal Trade Commisson
Washington, D.C. 20580
(202) 523-3600
Safety and Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) works to
reduce highway deaths, injuries, and
property losses by writing and en-
forcing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards (FMVSS) for vehicles and
vehicle equipment, such as tires.
NHTSA investigates reports of safety-
related defects and substantial equip-
ment failures and enforces laws
requiring the recall and remedy.
Recalls may be done voluntarily by
a manufacturer when a company dis-
covers a safety problem through its
own testing or from other sources.
Recalls may also be ordered by
NHTSA when a vehicle or its equip-
ment has a safety-related defect, fails
to comply with FMVSS, and the prob-
lem is common to a group of vehicles
or items of equipment of the same
make, model and year.
Whether a recall is voluntary or or-
dered by NHTSA, the manufacturer
must supply NHTSA with information
on how the recall will be conducted and
what actions will be taken. Manufac-
turers must also notify all owners by
mail and the defect must be corrected
at no charge.
NHTSA receives over 80,000 vehi-
cle complaints each year. While
NHTSA tries to help every consumer,
it cannot investigate each complaint.
Before a formal investigation or re-
call is ordered, there must be evi-
dence that the reported problem poses
a safety risk and is a problem common
to a group of vehicles or items of
equipment.
Consumers having difficulty with
recalls can call the NHTSA hotline or
write to NHTSA for assistance.
The hotline can also be used by
those who want to know if the cars they
own have been recalled or if used cars
they may want to buy have been re-
called. Consumers should call the hot-
line and give the car's year, make and
model number. NHTSA's hotline will
send a computerized printout listing
models that have been recalled. It will
also send a pre-addressed card with
the vehicle manufacturer's address on
it. A consumer may find out if the
individual car was recalled by filling in
the vehicle identification number and
sending the card to the manufacturer.
A consumer may find the car's ID num-
ber by looking through the front wind-
shield on the dashboard of the driver's
side.
\
Contact:
Administrator
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration
Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
800-424-9393
(202) 426-0123 (In Washington, D.C.)
Fuel Economy _
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) establishes
average fuel economy standards for
manufacturers of passenger cars and
light trucks. It does not have jurisdiction
over actual gas mileage performance
of individual vehicles.
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) establishes and moni-
tors pollution requirements, tests auto-
mobiles for gas mileage performance
and publishes a booklet which lists
EPA mileage figures.
Additionally, the Department of
Justice and the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) enforce the law
that requires automobiles to have a
label affixed stating the EPA fuel
economy rating.
Contact:
Consumer Affairs Section
Antitrust Division
Department of Justice
Washington, D.C. 20530
(202) 724-6786
or
Office of the Secretary
Federal Trade Commission
Washington, D.C. 20580
(202) 523-3598
Odometer Tampering
Federal law prohibits anyone from
tampering with a vehicle's odometer.
(An odometer is the instrument which
measures the distance traveled by a
vehicle.) The National Highway Traf-
fic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
An explanation of the symbols used in this section can be found on page 11.
41
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has general investigative responsibility
for this law while it is enforced by the
Department of Justice. No person,
including the vehicle owner, is per-
mitted to turn back or disconnect the
odometer, unless performing repairs.
When an odometer is serviced, re-
paired, or replaced and cannot be
adjusted to reflect the true mileage,
the odometer must be set at zero, and
a sticker indicating the true mileage
before service and the date of service
must be attached to the left door frame.
Federal law also requires disclosure of
the vehicle mileage upon transfer of
ownership.
Automobile purchasers who suspect
tampering should contact NHTSA, the
Department of Justice and/or local
or state law enforcement authorities.
Contact:
Administrator
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration
Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
(202) 426-0670
or
Consumer Affairs Section
Antitrust Division
Department of Justice
Washington, D.C. 20530
(202) 724-6786
New Car Information
Disclosure
The Department of Justice enforces
jurisdiction over the Federal law requir-
ing the disclosure of new automobile
information. The following information
must be included on the windshield or
side window of the vehicle: make,
model, identification number, as-
sembly point, name and location of
dealer to whom the vehicle was deliv-
ered, method of transportation, total
suggested retail price for accessories,
and transportation charges.
Contact:
U.S. Attorney's Office in each major
metropolitan area
or
Consumer Affairs Section
Antitrust Division
Department of Justice
Washington, D.C. 20530
(202)724-6711
Car Repair:
Consumer Tips
• Choose an auto mechanic or re-
pair facility carefully. Call your local
consumer office or Better Business
Bureau to see if the shop is repu-
table. Ask friends or neighbors for
references.
• Check to see if the mechanic is
licensed or certified. Although most
states do not require mechanics to be
licensed, some states, auto manufac-
turers, oil companies, and other indus-
try-related groups do test mechanics'
proficiency and skill and will certify
competency.
• Go to the facility and look around
— check to see If it is orderly and the
proper tools are available to do a num-
ber of jobs. Ask if the firm will guarantee
its work.
• When you take your vehicle in for
repair or tune-up, ask for a written,
itemized estimate. Ask if the work is
guaranteed and what is covered. Al-
ways note on the repair order that you
want to be called if additional work is
necessary. Ask for a bill including all
parts and labor.
• If you're not satisfied with the work,
complain immediately to the shop. If
you can't agree, contact an AutoCAP
or another source of help outlined in
SECTION I, or your state or local
consumer office. (See SECTION III.)
Moving/Movers
The Interstate Commerce Commis-
sion (ICC) regulates interstate movers
of household goods. In-state or local
moves are usually regulated by a state
or local public service commission.
For interstate moves—from one
state to another—consumers may look
to the ICC for assistance. To evaluate a
mover before using its services, the
Commission requires that, on request,
consumers be given copies of carrier
performance reports. In addition,
movers are required to provide each
consumer with an ICC booklet explain-
ing the consumer's rights and obliga-
tions on: signing papers, estimates,
weighing of shipments, payment for
the move, and filing claims.
The ICC keeps complaint records on
all interstate moving companies and
makes this information available to the
public.
Contact:
Director
Consumer Assistance Office
Interstate Commerce Commission
Washington, D.C. 20423
800-424-9312
800-432-4537 (In Florida)
(202) 275-0860 (In Washington, D.C.)
Pensions
The Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation (PBGC) guarantees ba-
sic retirement benefits to participants in
private pension plans. Approximately
33 million workers and retirees are in
pension plans that are, up to legal
limits, insured by PBGC. If an insured
plan should end its operations without
enough money to pay the benefits
guaranteed by PBGC, this agency
assures that each participant receives
the entitled amount.
PBGC has booklets for consumers
explaining the guarantee program and
publications on program guidelines for
plan administrators. PBGC also offers
a pamphlet for consumers who are
considering Individual Retirement
Accounts (IRAs).
Contact:
Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation
2020 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
(202)254-4817
or
PBGC Field Office
Federal Office Building
Room 4033
42
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300 North Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, California 90012
(213) 688-6428
Pensions and Tax Laws
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
has responsibility for interpreting and
administering the Federal tax laws re-
lated to the qualification and operation
of employee benefit plans and trusts
maintained by employers and indivi-
duals. This includes pension, annuity,
profit-sharing, stock bonus and bond
purchase plans as well as Individual
Retirement Accounts (IRAs). The IRS
has exclusive jurisdiction over the
participation, vesting and funding
standards applicable to such plans,
the tax consequences to employees
of their interests in them and the
deducibility of employer contributions.
For information and/or assistance
contact one of the 58 IRS district
offices.
Private Pension and
Welfare Plans
The Department of Labor's (DOL)
Labor-Management Services Ad-
ministration (LMSA) and the Inter-
nal Revenue Service (IRS) adminster
the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act (ERISA).
ERISA requires managers of pen-
sion and welfare plans to manage and
invest plan funds prudently and to
make sure there is enough money in
the plan to pay benefits. If employers
elect to set up a pension plan, their
employees must be eligible to partici-
pate and be entitled to benefits without
having to meet unreasonable age or
service requirements.
Every plan covered by ERISA must
give each participant a written sum-
mary describing in simple language the
plan's eligibility requirements, its
benefits, and how to file claims for
benefits. Each participant also must be
given an annual report on the plan's
financial activities. A copy of each
plan's summary description must be
filed with LMSA and a copy of the an-
nual financial report must be filed with
the IRS.
Contact:
Director
Office of Communications and Public
Service Assistance
Pension and Welfare Benefit Plans
Labor-Management Services
Administration
Department of Labor
Washington, D.C. 20210
(202) 523-8764
Pensions and Privacy
Do you believe that government files
about you contain improper informa-
tion? Do you believe the Federal Gov-
ernment has released information on
you to others?
The Privacy Act of 1974 regulates
the collection, maintenance, use and
disclosure of personal information in
government files, it requires disclosure
of agency records, allows individuals to
see their files and sets up a way to
correct errors. It also prohibits dis-
closure of information on identifiable
individuals except for certain pur-
poses. There are civil and criminal
penalties for a violation.
The Act does not apply to the private
sector except for government contrac-
tors. (Also see EDUCATION and
BANKING AND CREDIT.)
Product Safety
The Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) protects con-
sumers against unreasonable risks
from consumer products used in and
around the home, in schools, and
recreation areas, and assists con-
sumers in evaluating product safety.
CPSC develops uniform safety stan-
dards for consumer products; pro-
motes research; and investigates
product-related deaths, injuries and
illnesses. CPSC has the authority to
ban hazardous products, set manda-
tory safety standards and seek court
action to have products declared
hazardous.
By law, a manufacturer learning
about a defect must notify CPSC. H
necessary, CPSC may order a recall.
Most recalls are voluntary, with
manufacturers offering either repair,
replacement or refund. Occasionally,
CPSC takes a manufacturer to court to
obtain a recall.
CPSC has a toll-free hotline to take
reports from consumers about product
safety hazards and provide information
on product recalls. The Commission
provides sample copies of approxi-
mately 200 fact sheets, pamphlets,
and curriculum materials — as well as
films and slides — on most products
used in and around the home. These
consumer information/education ma-
terials cover fire safety, electrical
safety, poison prevention, toy safety,
recreation equipment safety, power
equipment safety, and household
structure safety. (Also see: CON-
SUMER DEPUTY PROGRAM.)
An explanation of the symbols used in this section can be found on page 11.
Contact:
Director
Office of Communications
Consumer Product Safety
Commission
Washington, D.C. 20207
800-638-8326
800-492-8363 (In Maryland)
800-638-8333 (In Puerto Rico,
Virgin Islands, Alaska, Hawaii)
Rural Development
The Farmers Home Administration
(FmHA) within the U.S. Department
of Agriculture provides credit for
those in rural America who are unable
to get credit from other sources at
reasonable rates and terms.
FmHA operates a number of loan
programs including, but not limited to,
Youth Project Loans, Rural Housing
Loans, Emergency Loans, and Soil
and Water Conservation Loans.
Applications for loans are made at
the agency's 1,825 local county of-
fices, generally located in county seat
towns.
43
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Contact:
Information Staff
Farmers Home Administration
Department of Agriculture
Washington, D.C. 20250
(202) 447-4323
which they are interested becomes
available. To obtain mail list appli-
cations, Contact the General Services
Administration's Federal Information
Center (FIC) nearest you. A listing of
FICs is found on the inside back cover.
Social Security Taxes
The Social Security Administration
of the Department of Health, Ed-
ucation and Welfare administers a
cash assistance program of payments
to the needy, aged, blind and dis-
abled. Monthly benefits are provided
to insured persons and their depen-
dents upon retirement, disability or
death. For information, call any of
the 1,300 Social Security offices
listed in the local telephone directory.
If there is no office in your community,
contact the local post office for the
schedule of visits by Social Security
representatives or:
Contact:
Director
Office of Public Inquiries
Social Security Administration
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, Maryland 21235
(301) 594-7705
Surplus
Government
Property
A wide variety of surplus property
located throughout the country is
continually being offered for sale by the
Federal Government. Included are
automobiles and other motor vehicles,
aircraft, hardware, plumbing and heat-
ing equipment, paper products, type-
writers and other office machines,
furniture, medical items, textiles,
industrial equipment and many others.
The condition of the property varies.
Prospective buyers should get their
names on a mailing list so that they
may be notified when the property in
44
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
administers and enforces most tax
laws. It provides taxpayer services and
education, determines assessments
and collects taxes.
The IRS has 58 district offices which
provide tax assistance by toll-free
telephone. Toll-free numbers are listed
in IRS tax packages and in public tele-
phone directories. Taxpayers may also
use the toll-free network to clarify bills
and notices, and to contact the Prob-
lem Resolution Officer for problems
and complaints unresolved through
normal channels.
IRS also has many local offices
which assist taxpayers. Under the
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
(VITA) Program, IRS trains volun-
teers to offer free tax assistance to
low income, elderly or disadvantaged
taxpayers.
Transportation
General
The U.S. Department of Transporta-
tion (DOT) develops national policies
and programs for safe and efficient
transportation. It promotes technologi-
cal development, energy conservation,
environmental protection and the in-
tegration of transportation services. Its
transportation safety activities range
from pedestrians to bicycles and air-
planes to pipelines.
DOTs consumer office encourages
public participation in DOT decision-
making and provides consumer infor-
mation materials.
Contact:
Chief
Division of Consumer Affairs, S-83
Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
(202) 426-4518
Air Routes and Service
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB)
regulates airline fares and routes as
well as the basics of passenger rights
and airline responsibilities. The CAB's
Bureau of Consumer Protection
handles complaints against airlines
and investigates suspected violations
of the Board's regulations.
CAB encourages airlines to compete
vigorously for passengers. As a result,
consumers usually have a choice of
many discount fare plans and types of
services. The Board also works to
make sure passengers are adequately
protected when dealing with airlines.
Most air travel problems can be re-
solved at the airport by the customer
service representative, and the final
outcome of each complaint is subject
to negotiation. If you aren't satisfied
with the local staff, write to the airline's
Consumer Affairs Department when
you get home. If you still can't get satis-
factory results, you may write to the
CAB's Bureau of Consumer Protec-
tion. If the Bureau cannot negotiate a
settlement, and you still want to pursue
your claim, the Bureau can provide in-
formation about how to sue in small
claims court.
Contact:
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Civil Aeronautics Board
Washington. D.C. 20428
(202) 673-6047
Air Safety
The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) establishes and enforces safety
standards for air carriers, air taxi oper-
ators and other private and commer-
cial aviation enterprises. FAA safety
regulations apply to nearly every facet
of air travel ranging from the aircraft,
its crew and mechanics, to the Nation's
airways, airports and air traffic con-
trol systems. FAA enforces airport se-
curity measures, including passenger
-------
screening, to prevent hijacking and
threats to safe and secure travel.
Contact:
Public Information Center
Federal Aviation Administration
APA-430
Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20591
(202) 426-8058
Chief (J)
Community and Consumer Liaison
Division
Federal Aviation Administration
APA-100
Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20591
(202) 426-1960
Buses
The Interstate Commerce Commis-
sion (ICC) ensures that interstate bus-
lines (those that cross state lines) give
the public fair and reasonable rates
and services. Intrastate buses (those
operating entirely in one state) are
regulated by state corporation com-
missions, transportation or public
service commissions. (A listing of
many of these are found in SECTION
III.)
Discrimination, preferential treat-
ment or prejudicial actions by inter-
state buses are illegal and should be
reported to the ICC.
social, economic and environmental
impact of highways. FWHA also
coordinates highway transportation
with other forms of transportation
to achieve a balanced nationwide
system.
about companies or service. The Com-
mission also assists consumers with
problems involving goods transported
by ship and advises consumers of
appropriate future action.
Contact:
Director
Office of Communications
and Consumer Affairs
Interstate Commerce Commission
Washington, D.C. 20423
800-424-9312
(202) 275-7252 (In Washington, D.C.)
Highways
The Federal Highway Administra-
tion (FWHA) administers the state
highway construction financial assis-
tance program, and has research and
development programs dealing with
highway construction, safety, and the
Contact:
Director
Office of Public Affairs, HPA-1
Federal Highway Administration
Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
(202) 426-0660
Maritime
The U.S. Coast Guard of the Depart-
ment of Transportation enforces
Federal laws on the high seas and
navigable waters of the United States.
It develops regulations on commercial
vessel safety, recreational boating
safety, port safety and security, and
marine pollution. It provides maritime
services including navigational aids
and search and rescue, and adminis-
ters the U.S. program for bridges over
navigable waters.
Upon request, the Coast Guard
Auxiliary provides courtesy examina-
tions of recreational boats for compli-
ance with standards and regulations
and offers courses in recreational
boating.
Contact:
Office of Public and
International Affairs
Coast Guard (G-A/83)
Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20993
(202) 426-2267
The Federal Maritime Commission
(FMC) is an independent agency re-
sponsible for the regulation of U.S.
ocean commerce. Among other duties
the FMC assures that steamship com-
panies have the required insurance to
cover passengers for personal injury or
death, and informally assists and coun-
sels passengers who have complaints
Contact:
Office of Public Information
Federal Maritime Commission
Washington, D.C. 20573
(202) 523-5800
Bus and Rapid Rail Transit
The Urban Mass Transportation
Administration (UMTA) provides fin-
ancial and technical assistance to pub-
lic transportation agencies which
develop, maintain and operate transit
bus and rapid rail systems.
Federal money is available to: con-
struct rapid rail facilities and track;
purchase buses, rail cars and fare
equipment; install fare boxes and bus
stop shelters; construct and maintain
stations and storage facilities; and
cover operating costs.
Contact:
Director
Office of Public Affairs
Urban Mass Transit
Administration
Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
(202) 426-4043
Train Travel/Amtrak
The National Rail Passenger Service
(Amtrak) is a quasi-Federal agency
which provides most of the Nation's
intercity rail passenger service.
If Amtrak wants to discontinue
routes and services because of losses.
it must follow the steps required by the
Department of Transportation and
Congress. This includes submitting
plans to the governor of each affected
state. States wishing to preserve ser-
vice may reimburse Amtrak for its
losses.
An explanation of the symbols used in tfi/s section can be found on page 11.
45
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For consumer problems, contact a
local Amtrak consumer relations of-
fice listed in the phone directory under
Amtrak.
Transportation:
Consumer Tips
Air Travel
(D
Contact:
Amtrak
Office of Consumer Relations
P.O. Box 2709
Washington, D.C. 20013
(202)383-2121
Privately Run
Passenger Train Service
The Interstate Commerce Commis-
sion (ICC) regulates non-Amtrak
passenger railroad lines to ensure that
consumers have adequate transporta-
tion service at reasonable rates. The
ICC rules on applications to discon-
tinue non-Amtrak passenger train
service.
Contact:
Director
Consumer Assistance Office
Interstate Commerce Commission
Washington, D.C. 20423
800-424-9312
(202) 275-7806 (In Washington, D.C.)
Railroads
The Federal Railroad Administra-
tion (FRA) promotes rail safety by
conducting research and setting safety
standards for rail operations. FRA
manages railroad financial assistance
programs and conducts research and
development.
FRA also manages the Railroad
Test Center in Pueblo, Colorado.
Contact:
Consumer Affairs Officer
Federal Railroad Administration
Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
(202) 426-0881
46
(D
Comparison shopping for air fares can
lead to real savings, because airlines
no longer charge identical prices. Call
each airline that flies to your destina-
tion and ask for information about all of
its fares. Find out if you can save
money buying round trip tickets or fly-
ing at night or on off peak days.
When shopping for airline bargains,
remember that lower fares often mean
less service—fewer "extras," crowded
planes and cancellation charges.
• Delayed and cancelled flights—
Airlines don't guarantee they'll fly on
schedule, and you should realize this
when you're planning your trip. Usu-
ally, airlines do help people get through
scheduling foul-ups by booking alter-
nate flights. If a delay is expected to
last longer than four hours, most U.S.
airlines will: (1) pay for a telephone call
or telegram to your destination; (2) pay
for a hotel room if you're stranded over-
night; (3) pay cab fare between the air-
port and hotel; and (4) furnish meals.
• Baggage—Airlines may place a
limit on the amount of money they will
pay if your checked suitcase is lost or
damaged. The maximum is $750 per
passenger on domestic flights. On
international trips the limit is based on
the weight of your checked bags—
$9.07 a pound. You may raise the
amount of the airline's potential liability
by buying "excess valuation" when
you check your bags at the airport.
Be sure to have your name and ad-
dress (use your office address if you
have one) on all of your bags. Report
any missing or damaged luggage to
the airline before you leave the airport.
• Oversold flights—If an airline
must "bump" passengers from an
oversold flight, CAB rules require them
to ask for volunteers first— people
willing to give up their seats in return for
money and a later flight. If there aren't
enough volunteers, most airlines de-
cide who gets to fly and who doesn't on
a last-come, last-served basis, accord-
ing to the time you get to the boarding
gate. People involuntarily bumped are
almost always entitled to denied board-
ing compensation, and airlines must
pass out written statements to all
bumped passengers explaining,
among other things, how the amount is
computed. Airlines able to get bumped
passengers to their destinations within
two hours of the originally scheduled
arrival time are required to give pas-
sengers the value of their tickets, with a
minimum reimbursement of $37.50
and a maximum of $200.00. If the
arrival time is more than two hours after
the originally scheduled arrival time,
the airline must pay travelers two times
the ticket price, with a minimum set at
$75.00 and the maximum at $400.00.
Some foreign airlines don't follow
these rules.
What You Can Take on an
Airplane Trip
FAA prohibits travelers from checking
(or packing in carry-on luggage)
hazardous materials such as book or
safety matches; aerosols;-and any
explosives, such as fireworks or flares.
The fine is a hefty $10,000, so it is
advisable to get a complete listing of all
banned materials from the airline's
cargo office.
Travel
Passports
The Department of State issues
passports to U.S. citizens for foreign
travel. All first-time passport applicants
must appear before either a Depart-
ment of State passport agent or an
authorized state court of record clerk,
probate court judge or clerk, or 'postal
employee.
When applying for a passport, you
must bring with you evidence of cit-
izenship (i.e., birth certificate),
two passport photos and personal
identification.
-------
The passport office can answer most
questions regarding foreign travel or
refer you to the proper office.
Contact:
Office of Passport Services
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Department of State
1425 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20524
(202) 783-8170
National Forests
The Forest Service of the U.S. De-
partment of Agriculture (USDA)
promotes the conservation and wise
use of forests and land resources. It
maintains campgrounds, wilderness
areas (where camping is allowed),
hiking trails, recreational areas and
visitor centers. The Forest Service
has a listing of all national forests.
Contact:
Director
Information Office
Forest Service
Department of Agriculture
Washington. D.C. 20250
(202) 447-3760
National Parks and
Historical Sites
The National Park Service (NPS) of
the Department of the Interior main-
tains national parks, monuments, his-
torical sites and recreational areas.
The NPS provides lectures and tours
by professional guides, boating and
swimming facilities, and fire and police
protection.
Contact:
Director
Office of Public Inquiry
National Park Service
Department of the Interior
Washington, D.C. 20240
(202) 343-7394
Veterans' affairs are handled by the
Veterans Administation (VA), an
independent agency headed by the
Administrator of Veterans Affairs who
is appointed by the President. The VA
serves more than 30 million veterans of
military service and their eligible de-
pendents. The agency provides as-
sistance through the Department of
Medicine and Surgery's VA Medical
Centers (hospitals and outpatient
clinics); the Department of Veterans
Benefits' VA regional offices (mone-
tary benefits and services); and De-
partment of Memorial Affairs* VA
National Cemeteries.
The VA:
• Provides a full range of medical
services to eligible beneficiaries in-
cluding hospitalization, outpatient and
extended care. Special programs in-
clude alcohol and drug treatment,
mental health care, nursing home care,
domiciliary care, prosthetic devices,
aids and services to the blind, and den-
tal care. The VA may also authorize
medical care, usually in non-VA facil-
ities, to the dependents of certain
veterans.
• Provides funds for educational
assistance to qualified: (1) veterans,
(2) orphans and widows of veterans,
(3) children and wives of certain ser-
iously disabled veterans, and (4) cer-
tain categories of active duty
personnel.
• Provides monthly compensation
for service-connected disability and
monthly pensions for nonservice-
connected disability if it is total and
permanent.
• Provides monthly compensation
or pensions to qualified dependents of
living or deceased veterans.
• Provides loan guarantees ("Gl
Loans") or under certain conditions,
direct loans, to qualified veterans for
purchases of houses, condominiums
and mobile homes.
• Provides burial (includes a head-
stone or marker) of veterans and eligi-
ble dependents in national cemeteries;
headstones or markers for the un-
marked graves of veterans; memorial
headstones or markers for veterans
whose remains are not recovered;
monetary allowance toward the cost of
a privately purchased grave marker for
a veteran; monetary allowance toward
the cost of a veteran's burial in a non-
national cemetery; burial flags for eligi-
ble veterans; Presidential memorial
certificates for deceased veterans; and
grant-in-aid to states for establish-
ment, expansion, and improvement of
veterans' cemeteries.
• Administers five Federal Govern-
ment life insurance programs for ser-
vicemen and veterans, makes loans on
permanent plan policies, and pays
insurance liability benefits to benefi-
ciaries.
• Supervises the administration of
Servicemen's Group Life Insurance
(SGLI) program for members of the
Uniformed Services, including Reserv-
ists, and Veteran's Group Life Insur-
ance (VGLI) for veterans for five years
after discharge.
For assistance call or visit a VA
Regional Office, VA Hospital, VA
National Cemetery, or contact local
veterans' organization representa-
tives. Consult your local telephone
directory. All states have a toll-free
phone number for VA offices within the
state. Complaints, comments, re-
quests and suggestions should be
directed to the Director of the nearest
VA Office, VA Hospital, VA National
Cemetery, or contact below:
Contact:
Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C. 20420
(202) 393-4120
Warranties
Warranties, or guarantees, are prom-
ises to repair or replace defective prod-
ucts or refund money.
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty
Act requires warranties on products
An explanation of tfte symbols used in this section can be found on page 11.
47
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costing more than $15.00 to be avail-
able for review before purchase and to
be written in easy-to-read language
with every term and condition spelled
out.
If you have problems in getting war-
ranty service or if a warranty is not
available for review before purchase,
report this to the state or local con-
sumer protection office (See SEC-
TION III) and to the Federal Trade
Commission.
Contact:
Federal Trade Commission
Office of the Secretary
Washington, D.C. 20580
(202) 523-3600
Warranties:
Consumer Tips
When shopping for products compare
warranty provisions; in reading war-
ranties look for the following:
• How long does the warranty last?
(But remember, most warranties only
cover defects originally in the product,
not wear and tear.)
• What parts or problems are cov-
ered? Are some excluded?
• What do you get under the war-
ranty—and what do you have to do to
get it?
Written warranties now have "la-
bels"—to answer that last question in
a word. The labels are full and limited.
A full warranty offers a lot of protec-
tion. It means: (1) a defective product
will be fixed (or replaced) free, includ-
ing removal and reinstallation; (2) it will
be fixed within a reasonable period of
time; (3) the warranty is good for any-
one who owns the product during the
warranty period; (4) if the product can't
be fixed—or hasn't been after a rea-
sonable number of tries—the con-
sumer gets a refund or a new product;
and (5) nothing unreasonable is re-
quired to get warranty service—such
as shipping a piano to the factory.
Remember, however, a full warranty
may not cover the whole product. Al-
ways read the warranty to see what
parts are covered.
The limited warranty gives less pro-
tection than the full warranty. For
example, it may cover only the cost of
parts and not labor, or only the first
purchaser, etc.
It's important to read and compare
warranties before a purchase is made
to get the best deal. It may be worth it to
pay more for a product with a better
warranty. The extra money is like buy-
ing insurance when you buy the prod-
uct—it's protection against the chance
of a big repair bill.
Weights and
Measures
The National Bureau of Standards
(NBS) of the Department of Com-
merce is the nation's physical science
and measurement laboratory. NBS
provides national measurement stan-
dards, which are used in buying and
selling goods, developing products,
judging environmental quality, and
providing health and safety guidelines.
To help serve the public, the Bureau
is involved in hundreds of projects in a
variety of areas, such as energy con-
servation and research, fire prevention
and protection, environmental protec-
tion and consumer product safety.
NBS also conducts research in the
fields of measurement standards,
materials, applied technology and
computer utilization. In addition, NBS
encourages states to develop uniform
laws governing weights and measures.
NBS is not a regulatory agency, so
complaints in this area should be di-
rected to state weights and measures
offices listed in SECTION III.
NBS has information on: energy
conservation, obtaining support for
energy-related inventions, smoke
detectors, home security, corrosion
and automation in the marketplace.
Contact:
Technical Information and
Publications Division
National Bureau of Standards
Washington, D.C. 20234
(301) 921-3181
48
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Federal Regional Offices
Community Services
Administration
Regional Offices
1. John F. Kennedy Federal Bldg.
Room E-400
Boston, Massachusetts 02203
(617)223-4080
2. 26 Federal Plaza
32nd Floor
New York, New York 10007
(212) 264-1900
3. P.O. Box 160
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19105
(215)597-1188
4.101 Marietta Street, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30323
(404)221-2717
5.300 South Wacker Drive
24th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(312) 353-5562
6.1200 Main Street
Dallas, Texas 75202
(214) 767-6125
7.911 Walnut Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
(816) 374-3761
8. Federal Bluilding
1961 Stout Street
Denver, Colorado 80294
(303) 867-4767
9.450 Golden Gate Avenue
Box 36008
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 556-5400
10.1321 Second Avenue
Arcade Plaza Bldg.
Seattle, Washington 98101
(206) 442-4910
Office of the
Comptroller of the Currency
Regional Offices
1.3 Center Plaza, Suite P-400
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
(617) 223-2274
2.1211 Avenue of the Americas
Suite 4250
New York, New York 10036
(212) 399-2997
3. 3 Parkway, Suite 1800
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
(215) 597-7105
4. One Erieview Plaza
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
(216) 522-7141
5. F&M Center, Suite 2151
Richmond, Virginia 23277
(804) 643-3517
6. Peachtree Cain Tower, Suite 2700
229 Peachtree Street, NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(404) 221-4926
7. Sears Tower, Suite 5750
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(312) 353-0300
8.165 Madison Avenue, Suite 800
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
(901) 521-3376
9.800 Marquette Avenue
1100 Midwest Plaza, East Building
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
(612) 725-2684
10.911 Main Street, Suite 2616
Kansas City, Missouri 64105
(816) 842-1648
11.1201 Elm Street, Suite 3800
Dallas, Texas 75270
(214) 655-4000
12.1405 Curtis Street, Suite 3000
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 837-4883
13. 707 Southwest Washington Street
Room 900
Portland, Oregon 97205
(503) 221-3091
14. One Market Plaza
Steuart Street Tower, Suite 2101
San Francisco, California 94105
(415) 556-6619
Commodity Futures Trading
Commission
Regional Offices
1. One World Trade Center
Suite 4747
New York, New York 10048
(212) 446-2068
2. 233 South Wacker Drive
46th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(312) 353-6642
3. 510 Grain Exchange Building
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
(612) 725-2025
4. 4901 Main Street
Room 208
Kansas City, Missouri 64112
(816) 374-2994
5. Two Embarcadero Center
Suite 1660
San Francisco, California 94111
(415)556-7503
Consumer Product Safety
Commission
Regional Offices
1.1330 W. Peachtree Street, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(404) 881-2231
2.100 Summer Street
16th Floor, Room 1607
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
(617) 223-5576
3.230 South Dearborn Street
Room 2945
Chicago, Illinois 60604
(312) 353-8260
4. Plaza 9 Bldg., Suite 520
55 Erieview Plaza, 5th Floor
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
(216) 522-3886
5. 500 South Ervay, Room 41OC
Dallas, Texas 75201
(214) 749-3871
6. Guaranty Bank Bldg., Suite 938
817 17th Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 837-2904
7. Traders National Bank Bldg.,
Suite 1500
1125 Grand Avenue
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
(816) 374-2034
8.3660 Wilshire Blvd.. Suite 1100
Los Angeles, California 90010
(213) 688-7272
49
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9. Metro Square, Suite 580
7th and Robert
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
(612) 725-7781
10.6 World Trade Center
Vesey Street, 6th Floor
New York, New York 10048
(212)264-1125
11.400 Market St., 10th Floor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
(215) 597-9105
12.100 Pine Street, Suite 500
San Francisco, California 94111
(415) 556-1816
13.3240 Federal Building
915 Second Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98174
(206) 442-5276
Department of Energy
Regional Offices
1. Analex Building, Room 700
150 Causeway Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
(617) 223-3701
2.26 Federal Plaza
Room 3206
New York, New York 10007
(212) 264-1021
3.1421 Cherry Street
10th Floor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
(215) 597-3890
4.1655 Peachtree Street, NE
8th Floor
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(404) 881-2838
5.175 West Jackson Boulevard
Room A-333
Chicago, Illinois 60604
(312) 353-0540
6. P.O. Box 35228
2626 West Mockingbird Lane
Dallas, Texas 75235
(214) 749-7345
7.324 East 11th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
(816) 374-2061
8. P.O. Box 26247—Belmar Branch
1075 South Yukon Street
Lakewood, Colorado 80226
(303) 234-2420
9.111 Pine Street
Third Floor
San Francisco, California 94111
(415) 566-7216
10.1992 Federal Building
915 Second Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98174
(206) 442-7280
Department of Health,
Education and Welfare
Regional Offices
1. John F. Kennedy Federal Bldg.
Boston, Massachusetts 02203
(617) 223-6831
2.26 Federal Plaza
New York, New York 10007
(212) 264-4600
3.3535 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101
(215) 596-6492
4.50 7th Street, NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30323
(404) 221-2442
5.300 S. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(312) 353-5160
6.1200 Main Tower Bldg.
Dallas, Texas 75202
(214) 655-3301
7.601 E. 12th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
(816) 374-3436
8.1961 Stout Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 837-3373
9.50 Fulton Street
San Francisco, California 94102
(415)556-6746
10.1321 2nd Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101
(206) 442-0420
Department of Housing and Urban
Development Regional Offices
1. John F. Kennedy Federal Bldg.
Room 800
Boston, Massachusetts 02203
(617) 223-4066
2.25 Federal Plaza
New York, New York 10007
(212) 264-8068
3. Curtis Bldg.
6th and Walnut Streets
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
(215)597-2560
4. Pershing Point Plaza
1371 Peachtree Street, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(404) 881-4585
5. 300 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(312)353-5680
6. Earle Cabell Federal Bldg.
1100 Commerce Street
Dallas, Texas 75242
(214) 749-7401
7.300 Federal Office Bldg.
911 Walnut Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
(816) 374-2661
8. Executive Towers
1405 Curtis Street
Denver; Colorado 80202
(303) 837-4513
9.450 Golden Gate Avenue
P.O. Box 36003
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 556-4752
10.3003 Arcade Plaza Bldg.
1321 Second Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101
(206) 442-5414
Department of Justice/
Antitrust Division
Regional Offices
1.1776 Peachtree Street, NW
Suite 420
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(404) 881-3828
2.2634 Everett M. Dirksen Bldg.
219 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604
(312) 353-7538
3.995 Celebreeze Federal Bldg.
1240 East 9th Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44199
(216) 552-4070
4. Earl Cabell Federal Bldg.
Room 8C6
1100 Commerce Street
Dallas, Texas 75242
(214) 749-1275
50
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5. 300 N. Los Angeles Street
Room 3101 Federal Building
Los Angeles, California 90012
(213) 688-2500
6. Room 3630
26 Federal Plaza
New York, New York 10007
(212) 264-0390
7. 3430 U.S. Courthouse
Independence Mall West
601 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
(215) 597-7405
8.450 Golden Gate Avenue
Box 36046
San Francisco, California 94102
(415)556-6300
Drug Enforcement Administration
Regional Offices
1.555 W. 57th Street
New York, New York 10019
(212)399-5151
2.8400 NW 53rd Street
Miami, Florida 33166
(305) 591-4870
3.1800 Dirksen Federal Building
Chicago, Illinois 60604
(312) 353-7875
4.1880 Regal Row
Dallas, Texas 75235
(214) 767-7203
5.350 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
(213) 688-2650
Employment and Training
Administration Regional Offices
1. John F. Kennedy Federal Bldg.
Rm. 1703
Boston, Massachusetts 02203
(617)223-6439
2. Rm. 3713
1515 Broadway
New York, New York 10036
(212) 399-5445
3. P.O. Box 8796
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
(215) 596-6336
4. Room 405
1371 Peachtree Street, NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(404)881-4411
5. 6th Floor
230 South Dearborn
Chicago, Illinois 60604
(312) 353-0313
6. Room 316
555 Griffin Square Bldg.
Dallas, Texas 75202
(214) 749-2721
7. Federal Building, Room 1000
911 Walnut Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
(816) 374-3796
8.16122 Federal Office Bldg.
1961 Stout Street
Denver, Colorado 80294
(303) 837-4477
9. Box 36084
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 556-7414
10. Room 1145
Federal Office Bldg.
909 First Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98104
(206) 442-7700
Environmental Protection Agency
Regional Offices
1. John F. Kennedy Federal Bldg.
Boston, Massachusetts 02203
(617) 223-7210
2.26 Federal Plaza
New York, New York 10007
(212) 264-2525
3. 6th and Walnut Streets
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
(215) 597-9814
4. 345 Courtland Street, NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
(404) 881-4727
5.230 South Dearborn
Chicago, Illinois 60604
(312)353-2000
6.1201 Elm Street
Dallas, Texas 75270
(214) 767-2600
7.324 East 11th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
(816)374-5493
8.1860 Lincoln Street
Denver, Colorado 80203
(303) 837-3895
9. 215 Fremont Street
San Francisco, California 94105
(415) 556-2320
10.1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101
(206) 442-1220
Federal Communications
Commission Regional Offices
1.101 Marietta Tower, Room 2111
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(404) 221-6500
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1775
Atlanta, Georgia 30301
2.1500 Customhouse
165 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(617)223-7226
3. Park Ridge Office Center
1550 Northwest Highway
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
(312)353-0368
4. Brywood Office Tower
Room 320
8800 East 63rd Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64133
(816)926-5179
5. Room 537
211 Main Street
San Francisco, California 94105
(415) 556-1224
6. 3090 Federal Building
915 Second Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98174
(206) 442-5544
Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation Regional Offices
1. 233 Peachtree Street, NE
Suite 2400
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(404) 221-6631
2.60 State Street, 17th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(617) 223-6420
3.233 South Wacker Drive
Suite 6116
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(312) 353-2600
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4.1 Nationwide Plaza
Suite 2600
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 469-7301
5.300 North Ervay Street
Suite 3300
Dallas, Texas 75201
(214) 749-7691
6.2345 Grand Avenue
Suite 1500
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
(816) 374-2851
7.1 South Pinckney Street,
Room 813
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
(608) 252-5226
8.1 Commerce Square
Suite 1800
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
(901) 521-3872
9.730 Second Avenue South
Suite 266
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
(612) 725-2046
10.345 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10022
11.1700 Famam Street
Suite 1200
Omaha, Nebraska 68102
(402) 221-3366
12.5 Penn Center Plaza
Suite 2901
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
(215) 597-2295
13. Eighth and Main Bldg.
Suite 2000
707 East Main Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 782-2395
14.44 Montgomery Street
Suite 3600
San Francisco, California 94104
(415) 556-2736
Federal Maritime Commission
Regional Offices
1.6 World Trade Center
Suite 614
New York, New York 10048
(212) 264-1430
2. P.O. Box 30550
New Orleans, Louisiana 70190
(504) 589-6662
3.625 Market Street
25th Roor
San Francisco, California 94105
(415) 556-5272
4. Carlos Cardon Street
Hato Rey, Puerto Rico 00917
(809) 753-4198
5. 610 Canal Street
Chicago, Illinois 60607
(312) 353-0282
Federal Reserve
Regional Offices
Write to:
Civil Rights/Consumer Specialist
c/o Federal Reserve Bank
at the appropriate office listed below:
1.600 Atlantic Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
(617) 973-3000
2.33 Liberty Street
New York, New York 10005
(212) 791-5000
3.100 North Sixth Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19109
(215) 574-6000
4.1455 East Sixth Street
P.O. Box 6387
Cleveland, Ohio 44101
(216)293-9800
5.100 North Ninth Street
Richmond, Virginia 23261
(804) 649-3611
6.104 Marietta Street, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(404) 231-8500
7.230 South LaSalle Street
P.O. Box 834
Chicago, Illinois 60690
(312) 380-2320
8.411 Locust Street
P.O. Box 442
St. Louis, Missouri 63166
(314) 444-8444
9.250 Marquette Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55480
(612) 783-2345
Federal Trade Commission
Regional Offices
1. Room 1000
1718 Peachtree Street, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(404)881-4836
2. Room 1301
150 Causeway Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
(617) 223-6621
3. Suite 1437
55 East Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
(312) 353-4423
4. Suite 500
Mall Building
118 St. Clair Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44144
(216) 522-4207
5. Suite 2665
2001 Bryan Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
(214) 729-0032
6. Suite 2900
1405 Curtis Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 837-2271
7. Room 13209
Federal Building
11000 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90024
(213) 824-7575
8. 2243-EB, Federal Building
26 Federal Plaza
New York, New York 10007
(212) 264-1207
9.450 Golden Gate Avenue
Box 36005
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 556-1270
10.28th Floor
Federal Building
915 Second Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98174
(206) 442-4655
Food and Drug Administration
Regional Consumer Affairs Offices
1. Clinton and Pearl Streets
Albany, New York 12207
(518) 472-6045
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2. 880 W. Peachtree Street, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(404) 881-7355
3. 900 Madison Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
(301)962-3731
4. 585 Commercial Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(617) 223-5857
5.850 3rd Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11232
(212) 965-5754
6. 599 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14202
(716) 846-4483
7.1222 Main Post Office Bldg.
Chicago, Illinois 60607
(312) 353-7126
8.175 W.Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, Illinois 60604
(312) 353-1046
9.1141 Central Pkwy.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
(513) 684-3501
10.601 Rockwell Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
(216) 522-4844
11.500 S. Ervay Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
(214) 749-2383
12.19th & California Streets
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 837-4915
13.1560 E. Jefferson Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48207
(313) 226-6260
14.20 Evergreen Place
East Orange, New Jersey 07018
(201) 645-6365
15.701 W. Broad Street
Falls Church, Virginia 22046
(703) 557-0389
16.110 Michigan, NW
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49502
(616) 456-2340
17.575 N. Pennsylvania
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
(317) 269-6500
18.1009 Cherry Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
(816) 374-3817
19.1521 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, California 90015
(213) 688-3771
20.240 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
(612) 725-2121
21. 297 Plus Park Blvd.
Nashville, Tennessee 37217
(615)251-7127
22.4229 Elysiana Field Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
(504) 589-2420
23.1619 Howard Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68102
(402) 221-4675
24. P.O. Box 118
Orlando, Florida 32802
(305) 855-0900
25.2nd and Chestnut Streets "
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
(215) 597-0837
26.3 Parkway Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15220
(412) 644-2858
27.7th and Marshall Streets
Richmond, Virginia 23240
(804) 782-2748
28.419 S. Main
San Antonio, Texas 78204
(512) 229-6737
29. 50 United Nations Plaza
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 556-2682
30. P.O. Box 4427
Old San Juan Station
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00905
(809) 753-4443
31.909 1st Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98174
(206) 442-5258
32.1114 Market Street
St. Louis, Missouri 63101
(314) 425-5021
Food and Nutrition Service
Regional Offices
1.1 Vahlsing Center
Robbinsville, New Jersey 08691
(609) 259-3041
2.1100 Spring Street, NW
Room 200
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(404)881-4131
3. 536 South Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60605
(312) 353-6664
4.1100 Commerce Street Rm. 5C300
Dallas, Texas 75242
(214) 749-2877
5. 2420 W. 26th Avenue, Rm. 430D
Denver, Colorado 80211
(303) 837-5330
6.33 North Avenue
Burlington, Massachusetts 01803
(617) 272-4272
7. 550 Keamy Street
San Francisco, California 94108
(415) 556-4950
Forest Service
Regional Offices
1. Northern Region
Federal Bldg.
Missoula, Montana 59807
(406) 329-3011
2. Rocky Mountain Region
11177 W. 8th Avenue
Box 25127
Lakewood, Colorado 80225
(303) 234-3711
3. Southwestern Region
Federal Bldg.
517 Gold Avenue, SW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
(505) 766-2401
4. Intel-mountain Region
324 25th Street
Ogden, Utah 84401
(801) 399-6011
5. California Region
630 Sansome Street
San Francisco, California 94111
(415) 556-4318
6. Pacific Northwest Region
319 SW Pine Street
P.O. Box 3623
Portland, Oregon 97208
(503) 221-3625
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7. Eastern Region
633 West Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203
(414) 224-3693
8. Southern Region
1720 Peachtree Road, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(404) 881-4177
9. Alaska Region
Federal Office Bldg.
P.O. Box 1628
Juneau, Alaska 99802
(907) 586-7263
Immigration and Naturalization
Service Offices
1. Eastern Region (BUR)
Burlington, Vermont 05401
(802) 862-5601
2. Northern Region (STP)
Federal Bldg.
Fort Snelling
Twin Cities, Minnesota 55111
(612) 775-4450
3. Southern Region (DLS)
First International Bldg.
1201 Elm Street, Room 2300
Dallas, Texas 75270
(214) 749-2686
4. Western Region (SPD)
Terminal Island
San Pedro, California 90731
(213)548-2371
National Credit Union
Administration Regional Offices
1. State Street South Building
Room 3E
1776 Heritage Drive
Boston, Massachusetts 02171
(617) 223-6807
2. Federal Building
228 Walnut Street, Box 926
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17108
(717) 782-4595
3.1365 Peachtree Street, Suite 500
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(404) 881-3127
4. Federal Office Building, Room 704
234 N. Summit Street
Toledo, Ohio 43604
(419)259-7511
5. 515 Congress Avenue, Suite 1400
Austin, Texas 78701
(512) 397-5131
6. Two Embarcadero Center
Suite 1830
San Francisco, California 94111
(415) 556-6277
National Park Service
Regional Offices
1.15 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(617) 223-3773
2.143 S. 3rd Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
(215) 597-3679
3.1895 Phoenix Blvd.
Altanta, Georgia 30349
(404) 996-2520
4.1709 Jackson Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68102
(402) 221-3472
5. P.O. Box 25287
Denver, Colorado 80225
(303) 234-3095
6. Box 728
Sante Fe, New Mexico 87501
(505) 988-6375
7.450 Golden Gate Avenue
P.O. Box 36063
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 556-5186
8. 601 4th and Pike Bldg.
Seattle, Washington 98101
(206) 442-4830
9.1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, D.C. 20242
(202) 426-6700
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Regional Offices
1. John F. Kennedy Federal Bldg.
Room 1804
Boston, Massachusetts 02203
(617) 223-6712
2. Room 3445
1 Astor Plaza
1515 Broadway
New York, New York 10036
(212) 399-5754
3. Gateway Bldg., Suite 2100
3535 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
(215) 596-1201
4.1375 Peachtree Street, NE
Suite 587
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(404) 881-3573
5.230 South Dearborn Street
32nd Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60604
(312) 353-2220
6. 555 Griffin Square, Room 602
Dallas, Texas 75202
(214) 767-4731
7. 911 Walnut Street, Room 3000
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
(816) 374-5861
8. Federal Bldg., Room 1554
1961 Stout Street
Denver, Colorado 80294
(303) 837-3883
9. Box 36017
450 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 556-0586
10. Federal Office Bldg., Room 6048
909 First Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98174
(206) 442-5930
Passport Offices
1. John F. Kennedy Federal Bldg.
Room E123
Government Center
Boston, Massachusetts 02203
(617) 223-3831
2. Kluczynski Federal Bldg.
Room 380
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604
(312)353-7155
3. Patrick V. McNamara
Federal Bldg.
Suite 1900
477 Michigan Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48226
(313) 226-3883
4. New Federal Bldg., Room C-106
300 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
(808) 546-2130
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5. One Allen Center
500 Dallas Street
Houston, Texas 77002
(713) 527-4556
6. Hawthorne Federal Bldg.
Room 2W16
15000 Aviation Blvd., Lawndale
Los Angeles, California 90261
(213) 536-6503
7. Federal Office Bldg., Room 804
51 Southwest First Avenue
Miami, Florida 33130
(305) 350-4681
8. International Trade Mart
Room 400
2 Canal Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
(504) 589-6161
9. Rockefeller Center, Room 270
630 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10020
(212) 541-7710
10. Federal Bldg., Room 4426
600 Arch Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
(215) 597-7480
11. Federal Bldg., Room 1405
450 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 556-2630
12. Federal Bldg., Room 906
915 Second Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98174
(206) 442-7945
13. One Landmark Square
Stamford, Connecticut 06901
(203) 644-9268
Securities and Exchange
Commission Regional Offices
1.150 Causeway Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
(617) 223-2721
2. Room 1102
26 Federal Plaza
New York, New York 10007
(212) 264-1636
3. Suite 788
1375 Peachtree Street, NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(404) 881-4768
4. Room 1204
Everett McKinley Dirksen Bldg.
219 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604
(312) 353-7390
5. 8th Floor
411 West Seventh Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
(817) 334-3393
6. Room 640
Two Park Central
1515 Arapahoe Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 837-2071
7. Suite 1710
10960 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90024
(213)473-4511
8. 3040 Federal Bldg.
915 Second Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98174
(206) 442-7990
9. Ballston Center Tower 3
4015 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia 22203
(703) 557-8201
Small Business Administration
Regional Offices
1. 60 Batten/march
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
(617)223-6660
2.26 Federal Plaza, Room 29-118
New York, New York 10007
(212) 264-1450
3. One Bala Cynwyd Plaza, Suite 646
231 St. Asaphs Road
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania 19004
(215) 596-5901
4.1401 Peachtree Street, NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(404) 526-4999
5.219 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604
(312) 353-0357
6.1720 Regal Row, Suite 230
Dallas, Texas 75235
(214) 749-1261
7. 911 Walnut Street, 23rd Floor
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
(816)374-3316
8. 1405 Curtis Street, 22nd Floor
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 837-4021
9. 450 Golden Gate Avenue
P.O. Box 36044
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 556-7487
10. Dexter Horton Building
5th Floor
710 Second Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98104
(206) 442-5676
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56
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Section III
Introduction
This section contains a listing of state and local offices.
Their functions and responsibilities vary greatly from
state to state, as do the services and information they
provide. Some handle consumer complaints or will refer
you to the right place for help. Some regulate state
industries or enforce state consumer laws. And many
provide consumer education and information.
While we have not attempted to spell out what each
office does, this listing should be a helpful reference on
where to turn with problems or questions.
In addition to listing consumer affairs offices, we have
included state offices dealing with specific regulated
industries and special concerns, included under each
state, for instance, are listings for offices on aging,
energy, banking and credit, insurance, transportation
and utilities and weights and measures.
Following is a breakdown of what the offices listed
under each heading generally offer consumers:
General
These are usually the main consumer offices for each
state. Some are located in governors' offices, and some
are part of state attorney generals' offices. Some states
have more than one office. Check in your state to see
which office can help resolve complaints, furnish
information or helpful publications, or provide other
services. If there are branch offices in a state they are
also listed. Following these offices, county and local
consumer offices are given. As a general rule, the first
place you should call is the local office nearest your
home.
Aging
State offices on aging are responsible for coordinating
services for the elderly. They can provide information on
programs, services and opportunities for the elderly.
(Also see the AGING heading in SECTION II.)
Banking and Credit
The state banking authorities listed here regulate and
supervise state chartered banks. However, many of
them can handle or refer problems and complaints
concerning other types of banks and can answer
general questions about banking and credit. (Also see
the BANKING AND CREDIT heading in SECTION II.)
Energy
State energy offices generally carry out the Federal
Government's energy conservation programs. They
often have information on energy conservation,
production and alternative energy sources and can refer
you to sources of help for specific energy problems.
These offices also usually have the power to decide how
fuel is distributed during shortages. (Also see the
ENERGY heading in SECTION II.)
Insurance
Each state has its own laws and regulations governing
all types of insurance, and has a commissioner or other
official responsible for enforcement. If your problem is
not resolved by the insurance company (Keep in mind
that company decisions—such as claim denials—can
be appealed within the company.) contact your state
insurance commissioner for help. Many insurance
57
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departments also provide consumer information helpful
in making wise insurance buying decisions. (Also see
the INSURANCE heading in SECTION II.)
Transportation and/or Utilities
Two main offices are usually listed under this heading
for each state. One is the state utility commission, which
largely regulates the rates consumers pay for gas,
electricity, intrastate telephone service, intrastate
household goods moving, and, in some states,
intrastate water and transportation rates. (Interstate
rates for these utilities and services are regulated by the
Federal Government.) Many state utility commissions
offer complaint handling services and will sometimes
conduct investigations if numerous complaints are
received on a particular utility matter.
Utility consumer advocacy offices are also listed
under many states. These offices, sometimes called
consumer counsels' offices, represent the interests of
consumers in rate proceedings of state utility
commissions. Because the cost of participation in these
proceedings is so high, very few consumers can afford
to present the consumer's side of these rate issues to
state utility commissions, let alone provide the
necessary time and expertise. Thus, to avoid utility
commission decisions based on the one-sided records
presented by the companies, many states have
appointed consumer or public advocates who have
been given the responsibility to intervene in these
proceedings on behalf of consumers.
Additionally, some of the advocates' offices can
investigate consumer complaints involving utilities, or
represent consumers who file formal complaints with
state utility commissions. Some advocates will even
investigate utility service where warranted. (Also see
the COMMUNICATIONS, ENERGY and
TRANSPORTATION headings in SECTION II).
Weights and Measures
These offices enforce weights and measures laws and
regulations and assure that commercial transactions
are fair and accurate. Weights and measures offices
check the weights of packaged products and the
accuracy of such weights and measures as
supermarket scales, gasoline pumps, taximeters and
rental car odometers. Contact your weights and
measures office if you believe you've purchased a short
weight package or think a weights and measures device
is inaccurate. Local offices can often be found under
"weights and measures," "standards," "consumer
protection" or "consumer affairs" headings in the city or
county government sections of your phone book. Also,
many of the county or local consumer offices listed
under the GENERAL heading of this section either
handle weights and measures matters, or can refer you
to the right office. (Also see the WEIGHTS AND
MEASURES heading in SECTION II.)
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Directory
Alabama
General
Herbert Whittle, Director
Governor's Office
of Consumer Protection
136 Adams Avenue
Montgomery. Alabama 36130
(205) 832-5936
800-392-5658
Elizabeth Petree
Consumer Services Director
Office of Attorney General
669 S Lawrence Street
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
(205) 834-5150
Aging
W. H. Kerns, Director
Commission on Aging
740 Madison Avenue
Montgomery, Alabama 36130
(205) 832-6640
Banking and Credit
Kenneth R. McCartha
Acting Superintendent of Banks
651 Administration Building
Montgomery, Alabama 36130
Energy
Edwin G. Hudspeth
Staff Director
Alabama Energy Management Board
Montgomery, Alabama 36130
(205) 832-5010
Insurance
Charles Payne
Commissioner of Insurance
651 Administration Building
Montgomery. Alabama 36104
(205) 832-6140
Transportation and/or Utilities
Wallace Tidmore, Executive Director
Alabama Public Service Commission
P.O. Box 991
Montgomery. Alabama 36130
(205) 832-3421
Maurice F. Bishop. Esquire
603 Frank Nelson Building
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
(205) 251-2881
Weights and Measures
J. L Slaughter. Chief
Weights and Measures
P.O. Box 3336
Montgomery, Alabama 36109
(205) 832-6766
Alaska
General
Connie Sipe, Chief
Consumer Protection Section
Office of Attorney General
420 L Street, Suite 100
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 279-0428
Branch Officoft
State Court Office Building
604 Bamette, Room 228
Fairbanks. Alaska 99707
(907) 465-3692
Pouch K, Room 1568
State Capitol
Juneau, Alaska 99811
(907) 465-3692
Aging
Office on Aging
Department of Health and
Social Services
Pouch H
Juneau. Alaska 99811
(907) 465-4903
Banking and Credit
Julius J. Brecht
Director of Banking and Securities
Pouch D
Juneau, Alaska 99811
(907) 465-2521
Energy
Clarissa Quinlan, Director
State Energy Office
MacKay Building
338 Denali Street
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 272-0508
Insurance
Kenneth C. Moore
Director of Insurance
Pouch D
Juneau, Alaska 99811
(907)465-2515
Transportation and/or Utilities
Alaska Transportation Commission
1000 MacKay Building
338 Denali Street
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 279-1451
Alaska Pipeline Commission
338 Denali Street
12th Floor
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 279-0583
Alaska Public Utilities Commission
1100 MacKay Building
338 Denali Street
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907)276-6222
Connie J. Sipe
Assistant Attorney General
Consumer Protection Section
420 L Street, Suite 100
Anchorage. Alaska 99501
(907) 279-0428
Weights and Measures
Joseph L. Swanson. Chief
Section of Weights and Measures
2263 Spenard Road
Anchorage, Alaska 95011
(907) 279-0508
Arizona
General
Patrick Murphy
Financial Fraud
207 State Capitol Building
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
(602) 255-5763 (Fraud only)
Branch Office
John F. Kelly
Economic Protection Division
100 N Stone Avenue. Suite 1004
Tucson, Arizona 85701
(602) 882-5501
County Offices
Cochlse County
John Barnes, Chief Investigator
Cochise County Attorney's Office
P.O. Drawer CA
Bisbee, Arizona 85603
(602) 432-5703
Pima County
Howard Fell. Director
Consumer Protection/
Economic Crime Unit
Pima County Attorney's Office
111 W Congress, 9th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701
(602) 792-8668
Yuma County
Michael Irwin
Yuma County Attorney's Office
P.O. Box 1048
Yuma. Arizona 85364
(602) 782-4534. ext. 55
City Offices
Phoenix
Mayor's Citizens Assistance Office
251 West Washington
Phoenix, Arizona 65003
(602) 262-7777
Tucson
Ronald M. Detrick,
Supervising Attorney
Public Affairs Division
Tucson CRy Attorney's Office
P.O. Box 27210
Tucson. Arizona 85726
(602) 791-4886
Aging
Aging and Adult Administration
Department of Economic Security
P. O. Box 6123
Phoenix. Arizona 85013
(602)255-4446
Walter C. Madsen
Superintendent of Banks
101 Commerce Building,
1601 W Jefferson Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
(602) 255-4421
Energy
Gerry Cunningham
Chief. Office of Energy
Office of Economic Planning
and Development
507 Capitol Tower
Phoenix. Arizona 85007
(602) 255-3632
Insurance
John N. Trimble
Director of Insurance
1601 West Jefferson
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
(602) 255-4862
Transportation and/or Utilities
Arizona Corporation Commission
2222 W Encanto Boulevard
Phoenix, Arizona 85009
(602) 255-3624
Weights and Measures
Pat Fullinwider
Department of Administration
Weights and Measures Division
3039 W Indian School Road
Phoenix. Arizona 85017
(602)255-5211
Arkansas
General
Sylvia Spencer
Deputy Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
Justice Building
Little Rock. Arkansas 72201
(501) 371-2341
800482-8982 (Arkansas only)
Aging
Department ot Human Service?
Office on Aging and Adult Services
1031 Donaghey Bulking
7th and Main
Utlle Rock. Arkansas 72201
(501) 371-2441
Banking and Credit
Beverly J. Lambert. Jr.
Slate Bank Commissioner
1 Capitol Mall 4-B 210
Little Rock. Arkansas 72201
(501)371-1117
Energy
Paul Levy
Department of Energy
3000 Kavanaugh Boulevard
Uttte Rock. Arkansas 72205
(501) 371-1370
Insurance
William H. L Woodyard. Ill
Insurance Commissioner
400 University Tower Buktng
Little Rock. Arkansas 72204
(501) 371-1325
Ronald L Sheffield
Consumer Affairs Coordinator
Department of Insurance
12th and University
Little Rock. Arkansas 72204
(501) 371-1811
Transportation and/or Utilities
Arkansas Public Service Commission
400 Union Station
Little Rock. Arkansas 72201
(501) 371-1451
Arkansas Transportation Commission
Justice Building
Little Rock. Arkansas 72201
(501)371-1341
Mark Davis
Deputy Attorney General
Director of Division of
Energy Conservation and
Rate Advocacy
Justice Building
Little Rock. Arkansas 72201
(501) 371-1967
(Regarding electric utiities only)
Steve Clarke
Office of Attorney General
Justice Building
Littte Rock, Arkansas 72201
(501) 371-1967
Weights and I
Sam F. Hindsman. Director
Division of Weights and Measures
4608 W 61st Street
Little Rock. Arkansas 72209
(501) 371-1759
California
General
California Department of
Consumer Affairs
1020 N Street
Sacramento. CaSfomia 95814
(916)445-0660
Complaint mediation)
(916) 445-1254
(Consumer infonnatiOft)
800-366-5131
(Auto repair complaints Caitorty)
59
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BfWtctt QfflCftS
BobKhotas
10? S Broadway, Room 8020
Los Angetes, CaHhxrea 90012
(213) 620-060
John Rouse
30 Van Ness Avenue. Room 2100
San Francisco. CaSfomta 94102
(415) 557-2046
Puttie Inquiry Unit
Office of Attorney General
555 Capitol Matt
Sacramento. Caifomia 95814
(916)322-3360
County Offices
Alameda County
Richard Michaels
Deputy District Attorney
24405 Amador Street
Hayward. California 94544
(415) 881-6150
Contra Costa County
Wffliam O'Malley
Assistant District Attorney
Special Operations Division
P.O. Box 670
725 Court Street
Martinez. Caifomia 94553
(415) 372-4500, ext 4620
Del None County
L J. Garrett. Jr., Director
Division of Consumer Affairs
2650 Washington Boulevard
Crescent City, CaBfomia 95531
(707) 464-2716 or 3756
Fresno County
Department of Weights, Measures
and Consumer Protection
4535 E Hamilton Avenue
Fresno, CaBfomia 93702
(209)453-5904
Theodore Forrest, Chief
Consumer Fraud Division
District Attorney's Office
Courthouse
1100 Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, California 93721
(209) 488-3141
Kern County
Margaret Spencer
Deputy District Attorney
Consumer Unit
1415 Truxton Avenue
BakersfieU. Caifomia 93301
(805) 861-2421
Los Angeles County
Richard Kalustain
Consumer and Environment
Protection Division
District Attorney's Office
540 Hall of Records
320 W Temple
Los Angeles, CaBfomia 90012
(213) 974-3970
Shirley Gokfnger, Director
Department of Consumer Affairs
500 W Temple Street
RoomB-96
Los Angeles. CaBfomia 90012
(213) 974-1452
••dam County
Robert DeSanti, Director
Consumer Protection Unit
Madera County Weights
and Measures
902 N Gateway Drive
Madera. CaBfomia 93637
(209)674-4641
Mendoclno County
Barry Wood. Deputy District Attorney
Consumer Unit
P.O. Box 1000
Ukiah. California 95482
(707)468-4211
Napa County
Marda Strickland
Deputy District Attorney
Consumer Affairs Division
1125 3rd Street
Napa, California 94558
(707) 253-4427
Orange County
Jack Ryan, Deputy District Attorney
Major Fraud and Economic
Crime Unit
District Attorney's Office
P.O. Box 808
700 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, California 92702
(714)834-3600
Ronald Melendez, Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
511 N Sycamore Street
Santa Ana, California 92701
(714) 834-6100
Riverside County
Kenneth Pike
Deputy District Attorney
Economic Crime Division
District Attorney's Office
P.O. Box 1148
Riverside, California 92502
(714) 787-6372
Sacramento County
William Kershaw
Supervising Deputy District Attorney
District Attorney's Fraud Division
P.O. Box 749
Sacramento, California 95804
(916) 440-6823
Rutti Baker
Director, Consumer Protection Bureau
827 7th Street, Room 43
Sacramento, California 95814
(916) 440-5893
San Diego County
Charles Hayes
Director, Consumer Fraud Division
District Attorney's Office
P.O. BoxX-1011
San Diego, CaBfomia 92112
(714) 236-2474
San Francisco County
Judy Ford
Assistant District Attorney
Consumer Fraud
Economic Crime Unit
District Attorney's Office
880 Bryant Street, Room 320
San Francisco, Caifomia 94103
(415) 553-1821
San Joaquln County
Anthony Lucacdni
Deputy District Attorney
P.O. Box 50
Stockton, California 95201
(209) 944-2411
San Luis Oblspo County
Christopher Money
District Attorney
Consumer Unit
District Attorney's Office
302 Courthouse Annex
San Luis Obispo, California 93408
(805) 549-5800
San Mateo County
Daniel J. Fumiss
Deputy District Attorney
Hall of Justice and Records
Redwood City, California 94063
(415) 364-5600. ext. 2406, 2407
Santa Barbara County
Robert Cutting
Deputy District Attorney
Consumer Business Law Section
ll8EFIgeroa
Santa Barbara, California 93101
(805) 963-1441
Santa Clara County
Daniel R. Smith, Director
Department of Consumer Affairs
1555 Berger Drive
San Jose. California 95112
(408)299-4211
Louis Bergna
Consumer Fraud Unit
District Attorney's Office
70 WHedding Street. West Wing
San Jose. California 95110
(408) 275-9651
Santa Cruz County
Gloria Lorenzo, Coordinator
Office of District Attorney
Division of Consumer Affairs
County Building
701 Ocean Street, Room 240
Santa Cruz, California 95060
(408) 425-2054
Don Gartner
Attomey-in-Charge
Consumer Protection Unit
District Attorney's Office
P.O. Box 1159
701 Ocean Street
Santa Cruz, California 95061
(408)425-2071
Sofano County
Harry Kinnicutt
Deputy District Attorney
Consumer Fraud Unit
600 Union Avenue
Fairfield, California 94533
(707)4294451
Stanislaus County
Kathleen Hamilton
Consumer Affairs Coordinator
Office of Consumer Affairs
921 County Center Number 3 Court,
Room 60
Modesto, CaBfomia 95355
(209)526-6211
Michael Krausnk*
Deputy District Attorney
Consumer Fraud Unit
P.O. Box 442
Modesto, Caifomia 95353
(209) 577-0570
Sutler County
Rollin C. Ahlers, Assistant Director
Department of Agriculture
Office of Consumer Affairs
Department of Weights and Measures
142 Garden Highway
Yuba City, CaEfomia 95991
(916) 674-2851
Ventura County
Robert O'Connor
Deputy District Attorney
Consumer Fraud Section
800 S victoria Avenue
Ventura, California 93009
(805) 654-3110
William H. Korth, Director
Department of Weights and Measures
800 S victoria Avenue
Ventura. California 93009
(805) 654-2446
Colleen T. White
Deputy District Attorney
Consumer Fraud
Economic Crime Unit
District Attorney's Office
800 S Victoria Avenue
Ventura, California 93009
(805)654-3110
Yolo County
Richard L. Gilbert
District Attorney
Consumer Fraud Division
P.O. Box 412
Woodland, California 95695
(916) 666-8521
City Offices
Los Angeles
Michael P. Stanley, Director
Consumer Protection Section
Assistant City Attorney
1700 City Hall East
200 N Main Street
Los Angeles, California 90012
(213) 485-4515
San Diego
Susan Huguenor
Consumer Protection Unit
Ctty Attorney's Office
1200 Third Avenue
San Diego, California 92101
(714) 236-6007
Santa Monica
Janet Miller
Consumer Affairs Specialist
City Attorney's Office
Consumer Division
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, California 90401
(213) 393-9975
Automobiles
Department of Consumer Affairs
Bureau of Automotive Repair
1020 N Street
Sacramento. CaBfomia 95814
800-952-5050
(California only;
auto repair only)
Aging
Department of Aging
Health and Welfare Agency
918 J Street
Sacramento, California 95814
(916) 322-3887
Banking and Credit
Morton R. Michaels
Superintendent of Banks
235 Montgomery Street. Suite 750
San Francisco, California 94104
(415) 557-3535
Russell Schweickart, Chairman
California Energy Commission
11 11 Howe Avenue
Sacramento. CaBfomia 95625
(916) 920-6811
800-852-7516
Insurance
Wesley J. Kinder
Insurance Commissioner
600 S Commonwealth
Los Angeles, California 90005
(213) 736-2572
60
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Transportation and/or Utilities
California Public Utilities Commission
California Slate Building
350 McAllister Street
San Francisco. California 94102
(415) 557-1487
Weights and Measures
Ezio Delfino, Chief
Division of Measurement Standards
8500 Fruitridge Road
Sacramento. California 95826
(916)366-5119
Colorado
General
Consumer Section
1525 Sherman Street, 4th HOOT
Denver. Colorado 80203
(303) 839-3611
Mary Lou Chapman
Consumer and Food Specialist
Colorado Department of Agriculture
1525 Sherman Street 4th Floor
Denver. Colorado 80203
(303)839-2811
Fred Berhenke. Administrator
Uniform Consumer Credrt Code
Office of Attorney General
1525 Sherman Street, 4th ROOT
Denver. Colorado 80203
(303)839-3611
County Offices
Archuleta, LaPlata and
San Juan Counties
Craig Westberg
District Attorney
P.O. Box 1062
Durango, Colorado 81301
(303) 247-8850
Adams, Arapahoe, Denver and
Jefferson Counties
Claire Villano
Executive Director
Metro District Attorney's
Consumer Office
625 South Broadway
Denver. Colorado 80209
(303)777-3072
Boulder County
Alex Hunter, District Attorney
District Attorney's Consumer Office
P.O. Box 471
Boulder, Colorado 80306
(303) 441-3700
H Paso and Teller Counties
Bob Russel. District Attorney
District Attorney's Consumer Office
27 E Vermijo, Suite 413
County Office Buikfng
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
(303) 471-5861
Larimer County
Stuart A. Van-Meveren
District Attorney's Consumer Office
Rocky Mountain Bank BuBding
P.O. Box 1969
Fort Collins, Colorado 80522
(303) 221-2100, exL 460
Pueblo County
Joseph E. Losavk)
District Attorney's Consumer Office
Courthouse
10th and Main Streets
Pueblo. Colorado 81003
(303) 543-3550. ext 253
Weld County
Robert Miller
District Attorney's Consumer Office
P.O. Box 1167
Greetey, Colorado 80632
(303) 356-4000. ext. 387
Aging
Division of Services for the Aging
Department of Social Services
1575 Sherman Street
Denver, Colorado 80203
(303)839-2651
Banking and Credit
Harry Bloom
State Bank Commissioner
325 State Office Building
Denver. Colorado 80203
(303) 839-3131
Energy
BuieSeawell
State Energy Office
1600 Downing, 2nd Floor
Denver, Colorado 80218
(303) 839-2507
Insurance
J. Richard Barnes
Commissioner of Insurance
106 State Office Building
Denver. Colorado 80203
(303) 839-3201
Transportation and/or Utilities
Colorado Public Utilities Commission
500 State Services Building
1525 Sherman Street
Denver. Colorado 80203
(303) 839-3154
Weights and Measures
Leo Letey. Chief
Weights and Measures Section
Department of Agriculture
3125Wyandot
Denver. Colorado 80211
(303)839-2845
Connecticut
General
Mary M. Hesfn, Commissioner
Department of Consumer Protection
State Office Buikfng
Hartford. Connecticut 06115
(203)566-4999
800-842-2649 (Connecticut only)
City Office
Guy Tomassi, Director
Office of Consumer Protection
City Han
MkxJetown, Connecticut 06457
(203) 347-4671. exL 216
Aging
Department on Aging
80 Washington Street
Hartford. Connecticut 06115
(203)566-7725
Banking and Credit
David H. Nekftz
Bank Commissioner
239 State Office Building
165 Capital Avenue
Hartford, Connecticut 061 15
(203)566-7580
Thomas H. Rtzpatrick
Under Secretary, Energy Division
Office of Policy and Management
80 Washington Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06115
(203)566-2800
Insurance
Joseph C. Mike
Insurance Commissioner
425 State Office Building
Hartford. Connecticut 06115
(203) 566-5275
Transportation and/or Utilities
Division of Public Utilities Control
State Office Building
Hartford. Connecticut 06115
(203)566-7380
Barry S. Zitser
Division of Consumer Counsel
of Connecticut
Department of Business Regulation
545 State Office Building
Hartford. Connecticut 06115
(203) 566-7287
Weights and Measures
J.T. Bennett, Chief
Weights and Measures Division
G17 State Office Building
Hartford. Connecticut 06115
(203)566-4778
Delaware
General
Frances M. West. Director
Consumer Affairs Division
Department of Community Affairs
and Economic Development
820 N French Street. 4th Floor
Wilmington. Delaware 19801
(302) 571-3250
Chris Curtin
Assistant Attorney General
Department of Justice
820 N French Street
Wilmington. Delaware 19801
(302) 571-2500
Aging
Division of Aging
Department of Health and
Social Services
1901 N DuPont Highway
New Castle, Delaware 19720
(302) 421-6791
John E. Malarkey
State Bank Commissioner
15 The Green
Kirk Building
Dover, Delaware 19901
(302) 678-4235
Energy
David L Press
Governor's Energy Advisor
114 W Water Street
P.O. Box 1401
Dover, Delaware 19901
(302) 678-5644
Insurance
David Elliott
Insurance Commissioner
21 The Green
Kirk Building
Dover. Delaware 19901
(302)678-4251
Transportation and/or Utilities
Delaware Public Service Commission
1560 South DuPont Highway
Dover. Delaware 19901
(302) 678-4247
EvanWitner
Office of Pubic Advocate
Department of Community Affairs
and Economic Development
820 N French Street. 4th Floor
Wilmington, Delaware 19801
(302)571-3250
(Public utilities only)
Weights and Measures
Eugene Keeley. Supervisor
Weights and Measures
Drawer D
Dover. Delaware 19901
(302) 678-4824
District of Columbia
General
Director
D.C. Office of Consumer Protection
1424 K Street NW
Washington. DC 20005
(202) 727-1158
Aging
D.C. Office on Aging
Office of the Mayor
Suite 1106
1012 14th Street NW
Washington. DC 20005
(202) 724-5623
Energy
Chuck Clinton. Director
D.C. Energy Unit
Jackson School
31st and R Streets. NW
Washington. DC 20007
(202) 727-1800
Insurance
James R. Montgomery. Ill
Superintendent of
Insurance (Acting)
614 H Street NW. Suite 512
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 727-1273
Transportation and/or UUttes
D.C. Pubic Service Commission
Cafritz Buikfng
1625 Eye Street NW. Room 204
Washington. DC 20006
(202)727-3050
Weights and Measures
E.E. Maxwell, Chief
Division of Weights. Measures
and Markets
11 10 U Street SE
Washington. DC 20020
(202) 767-7923
Florida
General
Jane Robinson. Director
Division of Consumer Services
110 Mayo BuBdng
Tallahassee. Florida 32304
(904) 488-2221
800-342-2176 (Florida only)
Clarence Holmes
Consumer Counsel
Consumer Protection and
Fair Trade Practices Bureau
Department of Legal Affairs
State Capitol
Tallahassee. Florida 32304
(904) 488-8916
Branch Offices
Joel Rosenblatt
Assistant Attorney General
Dade County Regional Service Center
401 NW 2nd Avenue. Sute 820
Miami. Florida 33128
(305) 377-5441
Charles Corcas, Jr.
Assistant Attorney General
1313 Tampa Street 8th ROOT
Tampa. Florida 33602
(813)272-2670
61
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Office o< the Comptroller
State Capitol
Tallahassee. Florida 32304
(904)488-0286
Branch Offices
Helen Doyte, Area Coordinator
401 NW 2nd Avenue. Suite 670
Mia-™. Bonda 33128
(305) 377-5213
103 Century Twenty-One Drive
Suite 113
Jacksonvflte, Florida 32216
(904) 724-3952
Comptroller's Office
Regional Service Center
1313 Tampa Street
Tampa. Florida 33602
(813) 272-2565
880 N Reus Street
Pensacote, Florida 32501
(904)434-0626
2453 N Military Trail
West Palm Beach, Florida 33409
(305)686-8640
Orange County Regional
Service Center
400 W Robison Street, Room 501
Orlando, Florida 32801
(305)423-6115
State Offices
Jack Shreve, Public Counsel
Office of Public Counsel
4 Holland Building
Tallahassee. Florida 32304
(904)488-9330
(Litigation Only)
Elizabeth Wills. Director
Department of Business Regulation
The Johns Building
Tallahassee. Florida 32304
(904) 488-9820
County Offices
Brevard County
Charles E. Wilson, Coordinator
Consumer Fraud Division
State Attorney's Office
County Courthouse
Titusvffle, Florida 32780
(305)269-8401
Browarti County
Stanley A. Kaufman. Director
Consumer Affairs Division
236 SE 1st Avenue. 6th Flow-
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
(305)765-5306
Bade County
John C. Mays. Director
Consumer Protection Division
Metro Dade County
140 W Flagter Street, 16th ROOT
Miami, Florida 33130
(305)579-4222
Branch Offices
South Dade Government Center
10710 SW 2111h Street
Miami. Florida 33189
(305) 232-1810. exL 285
JoanStember
Assistant State Attorney
Consumer Fraud Division
Office of State Attorney
1351 NW 12th Street
Miami, Florida 33125
(305) 547-5200
Walter T. Dartland
Consumer Advocate
Metropolitan Dade Co.
140 W Flagler Street, 16th Floor
Miami. Florida 33130
(305) 579-4206
Manatee, Sarasota, Desoto Counties
John Cole
Assistant State Attorney
Office of State Attorney
2070 Main Street
Sarasota, Florida 33577
(813) 955-0918
Duval County
Thatcher Watt
Consumer Affairs Officer
Division of Consumer Affairs
Department of Human Resources
614 City Hall
Jacksonville. Florida 32202
(904) 633-3429, 3940
Hillsborough County
Sam Uccello. Director
Hillsborough Co. Department
of Consumer Affairs
3725 Grace Street
Tampa, Florida 33607
(813) 272-6750
Palm Beach County
Alice C. Skaggs, Director
Department of Consumer Affairs
301 N Olive Avenue
W Palm Beach, Florida 33401
(305) 837-2670
David H. Bludworth, Chief
Economic Crime Unit
Office of State Attorney
P.O. Drawer 2905
West Palm Beach, Florida 33402
(305) 837-2391
Plnellas County
Richard LJndgren, Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
Office of State Attorney
801 West Bay Drive, Suite 610
Largo, Florida 33540
(813) 448-3801
SeminoJe County
Carl Morris, Coordinator
Consumer Fraud Division
Office of State Attorney
149, Seminole County Courthouse
Stanford. Florida 32771
(305) 322-7534
City Offices
Morris Cohen, Chairman
Consumer Affairs Committee
1080 NW 47th Avenue
Lauderhill, Florida 33313
(305) 584-9521
Robert L Shurr, Chairman
Board of Consumer Affairs
City of Tamarac
5811 NW 88th Avenue
Tamarac, Florida 33321
(305) 722-5900, ext. 27
Aging
Program Office of Aging
and Adult Services
Department of Health and
Rehabilitation Services
1323 Winewood Blvd.
Tallahassee. Florida 32301
(904)488-2650
Banking and Credit
Gerald A. Lewis
Comptroller of Florida
State Capitol Building
Tallahassee, Florida 32304
(904) 488-0370
Energy
Dr. Carlos Warren, Director
State Energy Office
108 Collins Building
Tallahassee, Florida 32304
(904) 488-6764
Insurance
Bill Gunter
Insurance Commissioner
State Capitol
Tallahassee. Florida 32304
(904) 488-7056
Bureau of Consumer Research
and Education
Department of Insurance
53 State Capitol
Tallahassee. Florida 32304
(904) 488-6085
Branch Ofncos
Call (904) 488-6085 for nearest
of 21 service offices
Transportation and/or Utilities
Florida Public Service Commission
700 S Adams Street
Tallahassee. Florida 32304
(904) 488-1234
Jack Shreve
Public Counsel of Florida
4 Holland Building
Tallahassee, Florida 32304
(904)488-9330
George Hanna. Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
Public Service Commission
Fletcher Building
Tallahassee, Florida 32304
(904) 488-7238
800-342-3552
(Utility complaints only)
Weight* and Measures
S. D. Andrews, Director
Division of Standards
Mayo Building-
Laboratory Complex
Tallahassee. Florida 32304
(904)488-0645
Georgia
General
Tim Ryles, Administrator
Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs
225 Peachtree Street, NE
Suite 400
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(404) 656-4900
800-282-4900
Brian O'Shea, Attorney General
for Deceptive Practices
Office of Attorney General
132 State Judicial Building
Atlanta. Georgia 30334
(404) 656-3391
City Office
Muriel Mitchell Smith. Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
City Hall
Memorial Drive Annex
121 Memorial Drive. SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(404) 658-6704
Aging
Office of Aging
Department of Human Resources
618 Ponce de Leon Ave., NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
(404) 894-5333
Banking and Credit
Edward D. Dunn
Commissioner of Banking
and Finance
148 International Boulevard. NE
Suite 640
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(404) 656-2050
Energy
Mark Cwecker, Director
Office of Energy Resources
Office of Planning and Budget
270 Washington Street, SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
(404) 656-3874
Insurance
Johnnie L. Caldwell
Insurance Commissioner
238 State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
(404) 656-2056
Transportation and/or Utilities
Georgia Public Service Commission
162 State Office Building
244 Washington Street, SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
(404) 656-4501
Sidney L Moore. Jr.
Consumers' Utility Counsel
of Georgia
15 Peachtree Street, Suite 933
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(404) 656-3982
Weights and Measures
0. D. Mullinax
Assistant Commissioner
Fuel and Measures Division
Department of Agriculture
Capitol Square
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
(404) 656-3605
Hawaii
General
Director of Consumer Protection
Office of Governor
250 S King Street, P.O. Box 3767
Honolulu, Hawaii 96811
800-548-2560 (Administrative
and Legal Office)
800-548-2540 (Complaints)
Aging
Executive Office on Aging
1149 Bethel Street, Room 311
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
(808) 548-2593
Banking and Credit
Wayne Minami
Director of Regulatory Agencies
P.O. Box 541
Honolulu. Hawaii 96809
(808) 548-7505
Energy
Hideto Kono, Director
Department of Planning
and Economic Development
P.O. Box 2359
Honolulu, Hawaii 96804
62
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Insurance
Tany S. Hong
Insurance Commissioner
P.O. Box 3614
Honolulu, Hawaii 96811
(60S) 548-7505
Transportation and/or Utilities
Hawaii Public Utilities Commission
1164 Bishop Street. Suite 911
Honolulu. Hawaii 96813
(808)548-3990
R. Dennis Chong
Executive Director
Department of Regulatory Agencies
1010 Richards Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
(808) 548-7550
Weights and Measures
G. E. Mattimoe. Deputy Director
Div. of Weights and Measures
P.O. Box 22159
Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
(808) 548-7152
Idaho
General
Michael Brassey
Deputy Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
State Capitol
Boise, Idaho 83720
(208) 384-2400
800432-5937
Aging
Idaho Office on Aging
State House
Boise, Idaho 83720
(208)384-3833
Banking and Credit
Tom D. McEldowney
Director of Finance
State House Mail
Boise, Idaho 83720
(208) 384-3313
Energy
L Kirk Hall, Director
Idaho Office of Energy
State House
Boise, Idaho 83720
(208)384-3258
Insurance
Monroe C. Goflaher
Director of Insurance
700 West State Street
Boise, Idaho 83720
(208)384-2250
Tran
rtation and/or IMBties
Idsno Public UtiitiGS Commission
State House
Boise, Idaho 83720
(208) 384-3143
Anthony Yankel, Director
Idaho Electrical Consumers Office
State House
Boise, Idaho 83720
(208)384-2964
Weights and Measures
L D. Holkway. Chief
Bureau of Weights and Measures
2216 KeBogg Lane
Boise, Idaho 83720
(208)384-2345
Illinois
General
Special Assistant to the Governor
Consumer Advocate Office
Office of the Governor
160 N LaSaJle Street, Room 2010
Chicago, IIBnois 60601
(312) 793-2754
Michael Benedetto, Chief
Consumer Fraud Section
Office of Attorney General
228 N LaSalle Street, Room 1242
Chicago. Illinois 60601
(312) 793-3580
Branch Offices
Frances Murray
Special Assistant to the
Attorney General
2151 Madison
Bellwood, Illinois 60104
(312) 344-7700
Special Assistant to the
Attorney General
50 Raupp Boulevard
Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60090
(312) 459-2500 (Sat only)
FusdoGamboa
Special Assistant to the
Attorney General
1104 N Ashland Ave.
Chicago. Illinois 60622
(312) 793-5638
Jkxnn Frattism
13051 Grainwood Ave.
Blue Island, Illinois 60406
(312) 597-5531
Harry J. Grant
Special Assistant to the
Attorney General
4750 N Broadway, Room 216
Chicago. Illinois 60640
(312) 769-3742
JohnBiddev
50 Raupp Boulevard
Buffalo Grove, IBnois 60090
(312) 537-6984
C. Frsnces Stradford
Special Assistant to the
Attorney General
7906 S Cottage Grove
Chicago, Illinois 60619
(312)488-2600
Jeff Einbinder
Special Assistant to the
Attorney General
800 Lee Street
Des Ptaines. Illinois 60016
(312) 824-4200 (SaL only)
Sandra Wagman
Attorney General's Office
State of Illinois
Consumer Protection Division
228 N LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60601
(312) 793-3580
MarkSkJtsky
Special Assistant to the
Attorney General
Evanston library
1703 Onington
Evanston. Illinois 60204
(312)866-0300
Arm Morgan
Special Assistant to the
Attorney General
P.O. Box 752
71 N Ottawa Street
Joiet, Illinois 60434
(815) 727-3019
Kermit Yost
Special Assistant to the
Attorney General
6250 N Lincoln Avenue
Morton Grove, Illinois 60050
(312) 965-5030 (Sat. only)
Mark Barmark
163 Lakehurst
Waukegan. Illinois 60085
(312) 473-3302 (Sat. only)
Joseph Greco
Special Assistant to the
Attorney General
1000 Schaumberg Road
Schaumberg, Illinois 60172
(312) 884-7710
Jeannette Yost
Special Assistant to the
Attorney General
5127 Oakton Street
Skokie. Illinois 60077
(312) 674-2522
Susan Pierson DeWitt
Assistant Attorney and Chief
Consumer Protection Division
Office of Attorney General
500 South Second Street
Springfield, Illinois 62706
(217) 782-9011
Robert P. Schulhof
Special Assistant to the
Attorney General
103 S Washington, Suite 12
Carbondale, Illinois 62901
(618) 457-7831
Jim Keehner
Special Assistant to the
Attorney General
818 Martin Luther King Drive
SL Louis. Illinois 62201
(618) 874-2238
Paul Cation
Special Assistant to the
Attorney General
500 Main Street
Peoria. Illinois 61602
(309) 671-3191
Robert Boeye
Special Assistant to the
Attorney General
208 18th Street
Rock Island, Illinois 61201
(309)786-3303
Steven ElBs
Special Assistant to the
Attorney General
301 Rockriver Savings Building
Rockford, Illinois 61101
(815) 968-1881
County Offices
Cook County
John Brundage, Director
Consumer Complaint Division
Office of State's Attorney
303Datey Center
Chicago, Illinois 60602
(312) 443-8425
Madison County
Nicholas G. Byron
Office of State's Attorney
103 PurceH Street, 3rd Floor
Edwardsville, Illinois 62025
(618) 692-4550
Rock bland County
Robert H. Lawson. Director
Illinois State Attorney General
Safety Building
Rock Island. IHnois 61201
(309) 788-7623
City Office
Chicago
Thomas f Geary. Comme.ior.er
Department of Consumer Services
121 N LaSalle Street Room 306
Chicago. IKnois 60602
(312) 744-4090
Aging
Department on Aging
421 E Capitol Avenue
Springfield. HSnois 62706
(217) 785-3356
Banking and Credit
WilSam C Hams
Commissioner of Banks
and Trust Companies
400 Reisch Bidding
4 W Capitol Square
Springfield. Illinois 62701
(217) 782-7966
Energy
Frank Beate. Director
Institute of Natural Resources
309 West Washington Street
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(312) 793-3870
Insurance
Richard Rogers, Deputy Director
Consumer Market Branch
Department of Insurance
320 W Washington Street
Springfield, Illinois 62767
(217) 782-4395
Transportation and/or UtiEties
IHnois Commerce Commission
Leland Building
527 East Capitol Avenue
Springfield. IBnois 62706
(217) 782-7295
160 NLaSaDe Street
Chicago, IIBnois 60601
(312) 793-2844
Weights and I
Wayne Behms, Chief
Bureau of Product Inspection
and Standards
Department of Agriculture
Emmerson Building
State Fairgrounds
Springfield, IBros 62706
(217) 782-3817
Indiana
General
David A. Mffler. Director
Consumer Protection Divisnn
Office of Attorney General
215 State House
Indianapofis, Indiana 46204
(317) 633-6496.6276
800-382-5516
County Offices
Lake County
Jack Crawford
Prosecuting Attorney
2293 N Main Street
Crown Point Indiana 46307
(219) 738-9055
Marion County
Stephen Goldsmdh
Prosecuting Attorney
560 City-County Buidmg
Indtenapois. Irefana 46204
(317)633-3522
63
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Vanderburg County
Jeffery L lantz
Chnc Center Complex—Courts Bldg.
Evansvile. IncJana 47708
(812) 426-5150
City Office
G«y
Biian Nelson. Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
Annex East
1100 Massachusetts
Gary. Indiana 46407
(219) 883-6532
Aging
Commission on Aging and Aged
Graphic Arts Building
215 N Senate Avenue
Indanapofis, Indiana 46202
(317) 633-5948
Banking and Credit
Charles Wright Supervisor
Division of Consumer Credit
Dept of Financial Institutions
1024 State Office Bldg.
IndanapoiS, Indiana 46204
(317) 633-6297
James E. Paris, Director
Department of Financial Institutions
1024 State Office Bldg.
Indanapolis, Indiana 46204
(317)633-4365
Energy
Clarence D. Broadus. Director
Indiana Energy Group
440 N Meridian Street
Indianapolis. Indiana 46204
(317) 232-8940
Insurance
H. Pete Hudson
Commissioner of Insurance
509 State Office Building
Indianapolis. Indiana 46204
(317) 633-4892
Gene Duke
Deputy Commissioner and Director
Consumer Services Division
Department of Insurance
509 State Office Building
IndJanapols. Indiana 46204
(317)633-6338
Transportation and/or Utilities
Larry J. Wallace, Chairman
Indiana Public Service Commission
901 State Office Building
Indianapolis. Indiana 46204
(317) 633-5359
Frank J. Biddinger
Public Counselor
Office of Public Counselor
807 State Office BuiUng
Imtanapois. Indiana 46204
(317)633-4659
Weights and Measures
Robert Walker. Director
Division of Weights
and Measures
1330 W Michigan Street
Indianapolis. Indiana 46206
(317)633-0350
Iowa
General
Douglas Carlson
Assistant Attorney General in Charge
Consumer Protection Division
Office of Attorney General
1300 E Walnut
Dm Moines. Iowa 50319
(515) 281-5926
William P. Angrick, II
Citizens' Aid Ombudsman
515 E 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
(515) 281-3592
Aging
Glen R. Bowles. Executive Director
Commission on Aging
415 W 10th Street
Jewett Building
Des Moines. Iowa 50319
(515) 281-5187
Banking and Credit
Thomas H. Huston
Superintendent of Banking
418 Sixth Avenue, Rm. 530
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
(515) 281-4014
Energy
Dr. Edward Stanek, Acting Director
Iowa Energy Policy Council
Capitol Complex, 6th Floor
Lucas State Office Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
(515) 281-4420
Insurance
Herbert W. Anderson
Commissioner of Insurance
Lucas State Office Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
(515) 281-5705
Tony Schrader, Director
Citizen Complaints and Inquiries
Division of Insurance
Lucas State Office Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
(515) 281-4241
Transportation and/or Utilities
Jack Linge, Chairman
Iowa Transportation Regulation Board
Department of Transportation
300 Fourth Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
(515) 281-3631
Fred Moore, Director
Iowa State Commerce Commission
State Capitol, 4th and Walnut
Des Moines. Iowa 50319
(515) 281-5309
Raymond K. Vawter, Jr.. Administrator
Public Utilities Division
Commerce Commission
Valley Bank Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
(515) 281-5979
Doug Carlson
Assistant Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
Iowa Department of Justice
1300 E Walnut—Hoover Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
(515) 281-5926
Weights and Measures
James O'Connor, Supervisor
Weights and Measures Division
Henry Wallace Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
(515) 281-5716
Kansas
General
Leslie Rawlings
Assistant Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
Office of Attorney General
Kansas Judicial Center
301 W 10th, 2nd Floor
Topeka, Kansas 66612
(913) 296-3751
County Offices
Johnson County
Susan Ellmaker
Assistant District Attorney and Head
Consumer Fraud Division
Johnson County Courthouse, Box 728
Olathe. Kansas 66061
(913) 782-5000. ext. 318
Sedgwlck County
Richard Schodorf. Director
Consumer Fraud and Economic
Crime Division
District Attorney's Office
Sedgwick County Courthouse
Wichita, Kansas 67203
(316) 268-7921
Shawnee County
Salley Pokomy
Assistant District Attorney
for Consumer Affairs
212 Shawnee County Courthouse
Topeka, Kansas 66603
(913) 295-4340
City Offices
Kansas City
Joe Wilhm, Director
Department of Consumer Affairs
701 N 7th Street, Room 969
Kansas City. Kansas 66101
(913) 371-2000, ext. 230 or 231
Topeka
Douglas Wright
Assistant City Attorney
Consumer Protection Division
City Attorney's Office
215 E 7th Street
Topeka, Kansas 66603
(913) 295-3883
Aging
Barbara Sabol, Secretary
Department of Aging
Biddle Building
610 W 10th Street
Topeka, Kansas 66612
(913) 296-4986
Banking and Credit
Hon. Roy P. Britton
State Bank Commissioner
818 Kansas Ave., Suite 600
Topeka, Kansas 66612
(913) 296-2266
Energy
Joseph E. King, Director
Kansas Energy Office
503 Kansas Ave., Room 241
Topeka. Kansas 66603
(913) 296-2496
Insurance
Fletcher Bell
Commissioner of Insurance
State Office Building
Topeka, Kansas 66612
(913) 296-3071
80IM32-2404
Transportation and/or Utilities
R. C. Loux, Chairman
Kansas State Corporation
Commission
State Office Building, 4th Floor
Topeka. Kansas 66612
(913) 296-3324
Weights and Measures
J. L O'Neill. State Sealer
Division of Weights and Measures
503 Kansas Avenue
Box 678
Topeka. Kansas 66601
(913) 296-3846
Kentucky
General
Robert V. Bullock
Assistant Deputy Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
Executive Building
209 St. Ctair Street
Frankfort. Kentucky 40601
(502) 564-6607
800-372-2960
County Office
Jefferson County
Norma J. Fletcher, Director
Consumer Protection Department
208 S Fifth St.. Rm. 401
Louisville. Kentucky 40202
(502) 581-6280
City Offices
Art Williams, Director
Department of Consumer Affairs
701 W Jefferson Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
(502) 587-3595
Betty Keller, Secretary
Consumer Affairs Commission
101 E 4th Street
Owensboro, Kentucky 42301
(502) 684-7251, ext. 208
Aging
Larry Michalczyk, Acting Director
Division for Aging Services
Department for Human Resources
275 E Main Street
Frankfort, Kentucky 40621
(502) 564-6930
Banking and Credit
John L Williams. Jr.
Commissioner of Banking and
Securities
911 Leawood Drive
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
(502) 564-3390
Energy
David Drake, Secretary
Kentucky Department of Energy
Capitol Plaza Tower, 12th Floor
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
(502) 564-7070
Insurance
Harold B. McGuffey
Insurance Commissioner
151 Elkhorn Court
Frankfort. Kentucky 40601
(502) 564-3630
Transportation and/or Utilities
Calvin G. Grayson, Secretary
Kentucky Department of Transportation
State Office Building
Frankfort. Kentucky 40601
(502)564-4890
Jimmy P. Turner, Chairman
Kentucky Railroad Commission
1024 State Office Building
Frankfort. Kentucky 40601
(502)564-4640
Glenda R. Beard
Assistant Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
209 St. Clair Street
Frankfort, Kentucky 40801
(502) 564-2196
(Utility Rate Interventions)
Kentucky Public Service Commission
P.O. Box 615
730 Schenkel Lane
Frankfort, Kentucky 40602
(502) 564-3940
64
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Weights and Measure*
George L Johnson. Director
Division of Weights and Measures
106 W 2nd Street
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
(502) 564-4870
Louisiana
General
Charles W. Tapp
Assistant Secretary
State Office of Consumer Protection
P.O. Box 44091. Suite 1218
Capitol Station
Baton Rouge. Louisiana 70804
(504)925-4401
800-272-9868
Winston Decuir. Stale Director
Consumer Protection Section
Office of Attorney General
1885 Wooddate Boulevard, Suite 1208
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806
(504) 925-4181
Branch Offices
Patricia Hakes
Southern Regional Director
Consumer Protection Section
234 Loyola Avenue, 7th ROOT
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
(504) 568-5575
John Young. Assistant Commissioner
Bureau of Marketing
Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 44184
Capitol Station
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804
(504)292-3600
County Offices
East Baton Rouge Parish
Barbara Jensen, Director
Consumer Protection Center
304 Old Courthouse Building
P.O. Box 1471
215 St Louis Avenue
Baton Rouge. Louisiana 70821
(504) 389-3451
itefterson Parish
David C. Leob, Director
Consumer Protection and
Commercial Fraud Division
District Attorney's Office
New Courthouse Annex, 5th Floor
Gretna, Louisiana 70053
(504) 368-1020
City Office
Nell WeekJey, Director
Mayor's Office of Consumer Affairs
City Hall—IW12
1300Perdido
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
(504)586-4441
Aging
O. B. Butler, Administrator
Office of Elderly Affairs
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 44282. Capitol Station
Baton Rouge. Louisiana 70804
(504) 342-2747
Banking and Credit
Frank Lasstter
Commissioner of Financial Institutions
P.O. Box 44095
Capitol Station
Baton Rouge. Louisiana 70804
(504)925-4660
Energy
Raymond J. Simon. Commissioner
Department of Conservation
P.O. Box 44275
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804
(504) 342-5540
Thomas Landrum, Chief
Energy Division
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 44156
Baton Rouge. Louisiana 70804
(504) 342-5540
Insurance
Sherman A. Bernard
Commissioner of Insurance
P.O. Box 44214
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804
(504) 342-5328
Transportation and/or Utilities
Louis Lambert. Chairman
Louisiana Public Service Commission
One American Place, Suite 1630
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70825
(504) 342-4404
Weights and I
Abert Chapman. Director
Division of Weights and Measures
P.O. Box 44456
Capitol Station
Baton Rouge. Louisiana 70804
(504) 925-3780
Maine
General
Cheryl Harrington
Assistant Attorney General
Consumer and Antitrust Division
505 State Office Buifcfng
Augusta. Maine 04333
(207) 289-3716
Harry GkUinger
Deputy Superintendent
Bureau of Consumer Protection
State House Station 35
Augusta, Maine 04333
(207)289-3731
Aging
Patricia Ritey, Director
Bureau of Maine's Elderly
Community Services Unit
Department of Human Services
State House
Augusta Plaza Shopping Center
Augusta. Maine 04333
(207) 289-2561
Banking and Credit
H. DonaW De Matteis
Bank Superintendent
Bureau of Banking
Stale House Station 36
Augusta Maine 04333
(207)289-3231
Energy
John Joseph. Director
Office of Energy Resources
55 Capitol Street
Augusta. Maine 04333
(207)289-3811
Theodore T. Briggs
Superintendent of Insurance
Department of Business Regulation
Bureau of Insurance
State House Station 34
Augusta. Maine 04330
(207) 289-3141
Ray Young, Supervisor
Consumer Service Division
Bureau of Insurance
State Office Buildng
Augusta, Maine 04333
(207) 289-3141
Transportation and/or Utilities
Maine PubBc Utilities Commission
State House
Augusta. Maine 04333
(207)289-3831
Weights and Measures
Gaylon Kennedy
Deputy State Sealer
Bureau of Weights and Measures
Department of Agriculture
Capitol Building
Augusta. Maine 04333
(207)289-3841
Maryland
General
H. Robert Erwin, Jr., Chief
Consumer Protection Division
Office of Attorney General
131 E Redwood Street
Baltimore. Maryland 21202
(301) 383-5344
Branch Offices
Metro Branch Office
Alice Pensmith
Consumer Specialist
Maryland Attorney General's
Consumer Protection Division
5112 Berwyn Road, 3rd ROOT
College Park, Maryland 20740
(301) 474-3500
Western Maryland Branch Office
Larry Munson, Director
Maryland Attorney General's
Consumer Protection Division
138 E Antietam Street
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
(301) 791-4780
County Offices
Anne Arundel County
Nancy Resnick, Coordinator
Board of Consumer Affairs
Arundel Center
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
(301) 244-7309
(301) 841-6750, ext. 7300
(in Baltimore)
(202) 261-8250, exL 7300
(In Washington, D.C.)
Bald more County
Bernard P. Cole
Assistant State Attorney
Major Fraud Unit
309 Court House
Baltimore. Maryland 21202
(301) 396-4997 (Major cases)
Howard County
James Jones, Administrator
Howard County Office of
Consumer Affairs
Carroll Building
3450 Courthouse Drive
EHcott City, Maryland 21043
(301) 992-2176
Montgomery County
Barbara B. Gregg, Executive Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
611 RockviltePike
RockviDe. Maryland 20852
(301) 279-1776
Prince George's County
Albert R. Wyrm. Executive Director
Consumer Protection Commission
1142 County Administration Buifcfn;
Upper Marlboro. Maryland 20870
(301) 952-4700 ext I. 2 or 3
Automobiles
Nance Stambon. Director
Dealer Licensing and
Consumer Services
Motor Vehicle Admmefration
6601 Ritchie Highway. NE
Glen Bumie, Maryland 21062
(301) 768-7420
Aging
Dr. Matthew Tayback
State Director
Office on Aging
State Office Building
301 W Preston Street Room 1004
Baltimore. Maryland 21201
(301)383-5064
Banking and Credit
W. H. Hotden Gibbs
Bank Commissioner
1 N Charles Street Room 2005
Baltimore. Maryland 21201
(301) 383-2480
Allen T. Fell, Commiss
Commission of Consumer Credt
One S Calvert Street Room 601
Baltimore. Maryland 21202
(301) 383-3656
Energy
Dr. Donald E. Mitten, Director
Maryland Energy Office
Energy Admirttstration
State Department
of Natural Resources
301 W Preston Street Suite 1302
Baltimore. Maryland 21201
(301) 383-6810
InSUTBflGC
Edward J. Birrane. Jr.
Insurance Commissioner
One S Calvert Street
Baltimore. Maryland 21202
(301) 383-5690
Transportation and/or UtfflUes
Maryland Public Service Commission
904 State Office Building
301 W Preston Street
Baltimore. Maryland 21201
(301) 383-2374
John K. Keane. Jr.
People's Counsel of Maryland
301 W Preston Street Room 900
Baltimore. Maryland 21201
(301) 383-2375
Weights snd I
R. L. Thompson, Chief
Weights and Measures Section
Department of Agriculture
3205 Symons Hal
College Park. Maryland 20742
(301)454-3551
Massachusetts
General
Been Send, Secretary
Executive Office of Consumer A0ars
John W. McCormack Bufcfng
One Ashburton Place, Room 1411
Boston. Massachusetts 02108
(617) 727-7755
65
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Barbara Newman, Director
Set-He*) Consumar Information Office
John W. McCormack Budding
One Ashburton Place, Room 1411
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
(617) 727-7780
Richard Grass, Chief
Consumer Protection Division
Department of Attorney General
One Ashburton Place, 19th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
(617) 727-6400
Branch Offices
Kenneth E. Lenz. Assistant Attorney
General for Consumer Protection
235 Chestnut Street
Springfield, Massachusetts 01103
(413) 785-1951
Robert & O'Brien
Executive Secretary
Massachusetts Consumers' Council
100 Cambridge Street. Room 2109
Boston, Massachusetts 02202
(617) 727-2605/2606
County Offices
Ha
shire County
Joan Weston, Director
Consumer Protection Agency
District Attorney's Office
Courthouse
Northampton. Massachusetts 01060
(413) 584-1597
FrankHn County
Richard Steward, Director
Consumer Protection Agency
District Attorney's Office
Courthouse
Greenfield, Massachusetts 01301
(413) 774-5102
Rick Oahon, Director
Consumer Action Center
721 State Street
Springfield. Massachusetts 01109
(413) 737-4376
City Offices
Boston
Arnold I. Epstein
Executive Director
Boston Consumers' Council
182 Tremont Street. 4th Roar
Boston, Massachusetts 02111
(617) 725-3320
FHchburg
Alan Fierce
Managing Attorney
Legal Services. Inc.
455 Main Street
Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420
(617) 345-1946
Lowell
Community Team Work
Consumer Division
10 Bridge Street
Lowell, Massachusetts 01852
(617) 453-1791
(617) 454-8076
Aging
Thomas H. D. Mahoney, Secretary
Department of Elder Affairs
110 Tremont Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
(617) 727-7750
Banking and Credit
Gerald T. Mulligan
Commissioner of Banks
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02202
(617) 727-3120
Energy
Henry Lee, Director
Massachusetts Office of
Energy Resources
73 Tremont Street. Room 700
Boston. Massachusetts 02108
(617) 727-4732
Insurance
Michael J. Sabbagh
Commissioner of Insurance
100 Cambridge Street
Boston. Massachusetts 02202
(617) 727-3333
Transportation and/or Utilities
Doris R. Pole, Chairperson
Massachusetts Department of
Public Utilities
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02202
(617) 727-3500
James C. McManus
Assistant Attorney General
Energy Regulatory Impact Program
Public Protection Bureau
One Ashburton Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
(617) 727-1085
Weights and Measures
Edward H. Stadolnik
Assistant to the Director
Division of Standards
One Ashburton Race. Room 1115
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
(617) 727-3480
Michigan
General
Patrick F. Isom
Assistant Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
690 Law Bunding
Lansing, Michigan 48913
(517)373-1140
Linda Joy, Executive Director
Michigan Consumers Council
414 HolDster Building
106 N Altegan Street
Lansing, Michigan 48933
(517) 373-0947
800-292-5680
County Offices
Bay County
George B. MulOson
Prosecuting Attorney
Consumer Protection Unit
Bay County Building
Bay City, Michigan 48706
(517) 893-3594
Genesee County
Edwyna G. Anderson, Assistant
Prosecuting Attorney and Chief
Consumer Fraud Unit
100 Courthouse
Rint, Michigan 48502
(313) 7664768
Macomb County
Edward L Bohde. Chief
Consumer Fraud Unit
Office of Prosecuting Attorney
Macomb Court Building, 6th ROOT
ML Clemens, Michigan 48043
(313) 469-5600
Washter
r County
John Knapp, Director
Consumer Action Center
Consumer Protection Division
Office of Prosecuting Attorney
120 Catherine Street
P.O. Box 8645
Ann Arbor. Michigan 48107
(313) 994-2420
Wayne County
Stephanie Mass), Director
Consumer Protection Agency
Office of Prosecuting Attorney
Murphy Hall of Justice
1441 St. Antoine Street
Detroit, Michigan 48226
(313) 224-2150
CHy Offices
RonDeciel
Consumer Affairs Commission
13615 Michigan Avenue
Dearborn, Michigan 48126
(313) 584-1200, ext. 280
Esther Shapiro, Director
City Consumer Affairs Department
1600 Cadillac Tower
Detroit, Michigan 48226
(313) 224-3508
Aging
Peter Kok. Director
Office of Services to the Aging
300 E Michigan
P.O. Box 30026
Lansing, Michigan 48909
(517) 373-8230
Automobiles
Marvin Goldstein, Director
Bureau of Automotive Regulation
P.O. Box 30046
Lansing. Michigan 48909
(517) 373-7857
800-292-4204 (Complaints)
Banking and Credit
Richard J. Francis, Commissioner
Rnanoial Institutions Bureau
P.O. Box 30224
Lansing, Michigan 48909
(517) 373-3460
Energy
Nancy Baerwaldt, Acting Director
Michigan Energy Administration
Michigan Department of Commerce
6520 Mercantile Way
Lansing, Michigan 48910
(517) 374-9090
Insurance
Richard A. Hemmings
Commissioner of Insurance
P.O. Box 30220
Lansing. Michigan 48909
(517) 373-0240
800-292-5943
I ^— —- * ---
i oorvicas
Robert Ulieru. Director
Dept. of Licensing and Regulation
Bureau of Health Services
Complaint Analysis Control Division
905 Southland
P.O. Box 30018
Lansing, Michigan 48909
(517) 374-9628 (Complaints against
medical professionals)
Cheryl Tutloch, Director
Dept of Licensing and Regulation
Bureau of Realty and
Environmental Services
Consumer Complaint Unit
905 Southland
P.O. Box 30018
Lansing. Michigan 48909
(517) 374-9625 (Complaints against
builders, realtors, etc.)
Bill Wagner, Director
Dept. of Licensing and Regulation
Bureau of Commercial Services
Consumer Complaint Unit
905 Southland
P.O. Box 30018
Lansing. Michigan 48909
(517) 374-9673 (Complaints against
employment agents, collection
agents, and other commercial
services)
Transportation and/or Utilities
Roderick S. Coy, Assistant Attorney
General and Executive Director
Michigan Office of Electric
Utility Consumer Services
Department of Attorney General
632 Law Building
Lansing, Michigan 48913
(517)373-1123
Daniel J. Demlow, Chairman
Public Service Commission
P.O. Box 30221
Lansing. Michigan 48909
(517) 373-8729
800-292-9555 (Residential and
business utility complaints)
Daniel Demlon, Chairman
Michigan Public Service Commission
Mercantile Building
6545 Mercantile Way
P.O. Box 30221
Lansing, Michigan 48909
(517) 373-3244
Weights and Measures
Dr. E. Hetfron, Chief
Food Inspection Division
Lewis Cass Bldg., P.O. Box 30017
Lansing, Michigan 48909
(517) 373-1060
Minnesota
General
Jean Heilman
Special Assistant Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
102 State Capitol
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
(612) 296-3353
Kris Sanda. Director
Office of Consumer Services
7th and Roberts Streets
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
(612) 296-4512
(612) 296-2331 (Complaints)
Branch Office
Marilyn Krueger. Investigator
Duluth Regional Office
604 Ahvorth Building
Duluth, Minnesota 55802
(218) 723-4891
County Office
Hennepln County
Ann L Alton
Assistant County Attorney
Citizen Protection and
Economic Crime Division
C 2000 County Government Center
Minneapolis. Minnesota 55487
(612) 348-8105, 4528
66
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City Office
Lawrence J. Anderson
Consumer Affairs Division
Department of Licenses and
Consumer Services
101 A City Han
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
(612) 348-2080
Aging
Minnesota Board of Aging
204 Metro Square Building
7th and Robert Streets
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
(612) 296-2544
Banking and Credit
Robert A. Mampel
Commissioner of Banks
Metro Square Building. 5th Floor
7th and Robert Streets
SL Paul. Minnesota 55101
(612) 296-2715
Energy
John Millhone, Director
Minnesota Energy Agency
740 American Center Building
160 E Kellogg Boulevard
SL Paul, Minnesota 55101
(612) 296-6424
Insurance
Michael D. Markman
Commissioner of Insurance
Metro Square Building
SL Paul, Minnesota 55101
(612) 296-6907
Transportation and/or Utilities
Minnesota Department of
Transportation
411 Transportation Building
SL Paul, Minnesota 55155
(612) 296-3131
Chris Sanaa, Director
Office of Consumer Services
Residential Consumer Utffity Unit
1st Floor, Metro Square Building
7th find Robert Streets
SL Paul, Minnesota 55101
(612) 296-4512
Minnesota Public Service Commission
American Center Bulking, 7th Floor
Kellogg and Robert Streets
SL Paul. Minnesota 55101
(612) 296-7107
WnQnts snrf Ueflsures
EdSMuzacek
Division of Weights and Measures
1015 Currie Avenue
Minneapois, Minnesota 55403
(612) 333-3249
Mississippi
General
Marshall a Bennett. Chief
Consumer Protection Division
Office of Attorney General
Justice Building, P.O. Box 220
Jackson. Mississippi 39205
(601) 354-7130
Gene WODams, Director
Consumer Protection Division
Department of Agriculture
and Commerce
High and President Streets
P.O. Box 1609
Jackson Mississippi 39205
(601)354-6258
Aging
Council on Aging
P.O. Box 5136
Fondren Station
510 George Street
Jackson. Mississippi 39216
(601)354-6590
Banking and Credit
James H. Means. State Comptroller
Department of Bank Supervision
P.O. Box 731
Jackson. Mississippi 39205
(601) 354-6106
Energy
Pete Watty, Director
Mississippi Fuel and Energy
Management Commission
1307 WrxUfolk State Office Building
Jackson. Mississippi 39302
(601) 354-7406
Insurance
George Dale
Commissioner of Insurance
P.O. Box 79
Jackson, Mississippi 39205
(601) 354-7711
Tram
•Mien and/or Utilities
pi Pubic Service Commission
Walter Sillers State
Office Buikfng
P.O. Box 1174
Jackson, Mississippi 39205
(601) 354-7474
Weights And Uessures
Gene Wfflams. Director
Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 1609
Jackson, Mississippi 39205
(601) 354-7130
Missouri
WiDam Newcomb. Chief Counsel
Consumer Protection Division
Office of Attorney General
Supreme Court Bujldng
P.O. Box 899
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
(314) 751-3321
Branch Offices
John D. Ashcroft. Consumer
Protection Drvisnn
Office of Attorney General
705 Give Street
Suite 1323
SL Louis. Missouri 63101
(314)241-2211
David L Forbes. Consumer
Protection Division
Office of Attorney General
615 E 13th Street
Kansas City. Mrssouri 64106
(816) 274-6686
State Office
David Doeffing. Director
Missouri Consumer Information
Center (MCIC)
P.O. Box 1157
Jefferson City. Missouri 65102
(314) 751-4996
HOC Branch Offices
615 E 13th Street
Kansas City. Mrssouri 64106
(816)274-6381
330 Mansion House Center
SL Louis. Missouri 63102
(314) 241-8318
CHy Office
David Gaebter. Director
Action Center—Consumer
Affairs Department
414 E 12th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
(816) 274-2222
Aging
Office of Aging
Division of Aging
Department of Social Services
Broadway State Office Building
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City. Missouri 65101
(314) 751-2075
Banking and Credit
Edgar H. Crist
Commissioner of Finance
P.O. Box 716
Jefferson City. Missouri 65101
(314) 751-3397
Energy
J. Abbott. Program Manager
Missouri Energy Program
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City. Missouri 65101
(314) 751-40IXJ
Insurance
Richard J. Fredrick. Director
Division of Insurance
515 E High Street
P.O. Box 690
Jefferson City. Missouri 65101
(314) 751-4126
Transportation and/or Utilities
Missouri Public Service Commission
Jefferson Building
P.O. Box 360
Jefferson City. Missouri 65101
(314) 751-3234
William M. Barvick
Public Counsel of Missouri
Office of the Pubfic Counsel
P.O. Box 1216
Jefferson City. Missouri 65102
(314) 751-4857
Weights and Measures
Bob Merrick. Director
Weights and Measures Division
P.O. Box 630
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
(314) 751-4992
Montana
General
Richard Disney. Administrator
Consumer Affairs Division
Department of Business
Regulation
805 N Main Street
Hetene, Montana 59601
(406)449-3163
Richard Gebhardt
Missoula County Attorney
County Courthouse
Missoula. Montana 59801
(406) 721-5700
Aging
Aghg Service Bureau
Department of Social and
Rehabiltatkxi Services
P.O. Box 4210
Helena. Montana 59601
(406)449-5650
Banking and CredH
Kent Ktenkopf. Director
Department of Business Regulation
805 N Main Street
Helena. Montana 59601
(406) 449-3163
Energy
Bob Anderson
Energy Division
32SEvnng
Helena. Montana 59601
(406) 449-3780
Insurance
"Sonny" Omhort. State Auditor
Commissioner of Insurance
Mitchell Building
Helena. Montana 59601
(406) 449.2040
Transportation and/or Utilities
James C. Paine
Montana Consumer Counsel
34 W 6th Avenue
Helena. Montana 59601
(406) 449-2771
Montana Public Service Commission
1227 11th Avenue
Helena. Montana 59601
(406) 449-3017
Weights and I
G. L Delano. Administrator
Div. of Weights and Measures
805 N Main Street
Helena, Montana 59601
(406) 449-3163
Nebraska
General
Paul Douglas, Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
State House
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509
(402) 471-2682
Jerry Fennell
Assistant Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
Department of Justice
60S S 14th
Lincoln. Nebraska 68509
(402) 471-2682
Cathy Koubek
Consumer Consultant
Department of Agriculture
301 Centennial Man South
P.O. Box 94947
Lincoln. Nebraska 68509
(402) 471-2341
County Office
Douglas County
Arthur S. Raznick, Director
Consumer Fraud Division
County Attorney's Office
909 Omaha-Douglas Chnc Center
Omaha. Nebraska 68183
(402)444-7625
Aging
Commission on Aging
P.O. Box 95044
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509
(402) 471-2307
Banking and CredM
Paul J. Amen. Director of
Banking and Finance
P.O. Box 95006
Lincoln. Nebraska 68509
(402) 471-2171
67
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Energy
WBKam H Palmer, Director
Nebraska Energy Office
P.O. Box 95085
Lincoln. Nebraska 68509
(402) 471-2867
Insurance
Walter Weaver
Director of Insurance
301 Centennial Mall South
P.O. Box 94699
Lincoln. Nebraska 68509
(402) 471-2201, ext. 238
Transportation and/or Utilities
Nebraska Public Service Commission
301 Centennial Man South
P.O. Box 94927
Lincoln. Nebraska 68509
(402) 471-3101
Weights and Measures
John Afloway. Assistant Director
Department of Weights and Measures
P.O. BOX94757
Lincoln. Nebraska 68509
(402) 471-2341
Nevada
General
Joshua Landish
Deputy Attorney General
Consumer Affairs Division
2501 E Sahara Avenue
3rd ROOT
Las Vegas, Nevada 89158
(702)386-5293
David Cook, Commissioner
Consumer Affairs Division
Department of Commerce
2501 E Sahara Avenue
Las Vegas. Nevada 89158
(702)386-5293
Branch Office
Mary Van Kirk
Deputy Commissioner
Consumer Affairs Division
Department of Commerce
201 Nye Building
Capitol Complex
Carson City. Nevada 89710
(702)885-4340
800-992-0973
County Office
Washoe County
Shirley Katt
Investigator-in-Charge
Consumer Protection Division
District Attorney's Office
P.O. Box 11130
Reno. Nevada 89520
(702)785-5652
Aging
Division for Aging Services
Department of Human Resources
505 E King Street. Room 101
Carson City, Nevada 89710
(702)885-4210
Banking and Credit
Joseph O. Sevigny
Superintendent of Banks
406 E 2nd Street
Capitol Complex
Carson City. Nevada 89710
(702) 885-4260
Energy
Noel Clark, Administrator
Nevada Department of Energy
1050 E Willard, Suite 405
Carson City. Nevada 89710
(702) 885-5157
liuturanco
Donald W. Heath
Insurance Commissioner
Nye Building
Capitol Complex
Carson City. Nevada 89710
(702) 885-4270
Transportation and/or Utilities
Nevada Public Service Commission
SOS E King Street
Carson City. Nevada 89710
(702) 885-4180
Robert Clark, Director
Division of Consumer Relations
Public Service Commission
SOS E King Street
Carson City, Nevada 89710
(702)685-5556
Washoe County
District Attorney's Office
Consumer Protection Division
P.O. BOX11130
Reno, Nevada 89520
(702) 785-5652
Bob Sytvain
Las Vegas City Attorney's Office
400 Stewart Avenue
Las Vegas. Nevada 89101
(702) 386-6201
Weights and Manures
Knute Pennington, Chief
Bureau of Weights
and Measures
P.O. Box 11100
Reno. Nevada 89520
(702) 784-6413
New Hampshire
General
William B. Roberts, Chief
Consumer Protection
Antitrust Division
Office of Attorney General
State House Annex
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
(603) 271-3641
Aging
Council on Aging
14 Depot Street
Concord. New Hampshire 03301
(603) 271-2751
Banking and Credit
A. Roland Roberge
Bank Commissioner
97 N Main Street
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
(603) 271-3561
Energy
Bill Humm, Executive Director
Governor's Council on Energy
2Vs Beacon Street
Concord. New Hampshire 03301
(603)271-2711
Insurance
Frank E. Wnaland
Insurance Commissioner
169 Manchester
P. O. Box 2005
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
(603) 271-2261
Transportation and/or Utilities
New Hampshire Public
Utilities Commission
8 Old Sun Cook Road
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
(603) 271-2452
Harold T. Judd
Legislative Utility Consumers Council
109 N Main Street
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
(603) 271-2762
Weights and Measures
W. J. Tusen, Chief Inspector
Bureau of Weights and Measures
85 Manchester Street
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
(603) 271-3700
New Jersey
General
Adam K. Levin. Director
Division of Consumer Affairs
Department of Law and
Public Safety
1100 Raymond Boulevard, Room 504
Newark, New Jersey 07102
(201) 648-4010
Stanley C. VanNess, Public Advocate
Department of Public Advocate
P.O. Box 141
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
(609) 292-7087
800-792-8600 (State Agency
Action Only)
Douglas J. Harper
Deputy Attorney General
Department of Law and Public Safety
1100 Raymond Boulevard, Room 316
Newark, New Jersey 07102
(201) 648-3945
Adrenee Freeman
Deputy Commissioner
Division of Consumer Complaints
Legal and Economic Research
P.O. Box CN040
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
(609) 292-5341
County Offices
Atlantic County
John Legnaioli.Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
1601 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
(609) 345-6700, ext. 475
Bergen County
Audrey Feingold, Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
355 Main Street
Haekensack, New Jersey 07601
(201) 646-2650
Burlington County
Renee Borstad, Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
54 Grant Street
ML Holly. New Jersey 08060
(609) 267-3300, ext. 259
Camden County
Barbara P. Berman, Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
600 Market Street
Camden County Admin. Building
Camden, New Jersey 08101
(609) 757-8387
Cumberland County
George Franks, Director
Department of Weights and
Measures and Consumer Protection
788 E Commerce Street
Bridgeton, New Jersey 08302
(609) 451-8000, ext 369. 370
Hudson County
Robert Cheloy, Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
County Courthouse
595 Newark Avenue
Jersey City, New Jersey 07306
(201) 792-3737, ext. 252. 219
Hunterdon County
Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
Skyview, R.D.
Lebanon, New Jersey 08633
(201) 735-4478
Mercer County
Elaine Schuman, Director
Division of Consumer Affairs
County Administration Building
640 S Broad Street
Trenton, New Jersey 08607
(609) 989-6671
Middlesex County
Lawrence Cimmino, Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
841 Georges Road
North Brunswick, New Jersey 08902
(201) 745-2787
Morris County
Carole A. Glade, Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
Morris County
Administration Building
Ann Street
Monistown, New Jersey 07960
(201)285-2811
Monmouth County
Joan W. Utwin, Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
Hall of Records
Main Street
Freehold, New Jersey 07728
(201) 431-7900
Ocean County
Elizabeth Rozier, Director
Department of Consumer Affairs
C.N. 2191
Toms River, New Jersey 08753
(201) 929-2105
Passalc County
Satvatore Cannala, Director
Consumer Affairs Division
Administration Building
309 Pennsylvania Avenue
Peterson, New Jersey 07503
(201) 525-5000
Somerset County
Elaine Goldin, Director
Department of Consumer Affairs
County Administration Building
Somerville, New Jersey 08876
(201) 725-4700, ext. 306
Union County
Ellen Bloom, Director
Division of Consumer Affairs
300 N Avenue East
P. O. Box 186
Westfietd, New Jersey 07091
(201) 233-0502
City Offices ,
Seymour Vogel, Chairman
Consumer Protection Board
309 Main Street
Fort Lee. New Jersey 07024
(201) 592-3540
William Gamer, Director
Department of Human Resources
Consumer Affairs
1 W Broadway
Peterson, New Jersey 07505
(201) 881-3700
68
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Aging
Division on Aging
Department of Community Affairs
P.O. Box 2768
363 W State Street
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
(609) 292-4833
Banking and Credit
Angelo Bianchi
Commissioner of Banking
36 W State Street
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
(609) 292-3420
Energy
Joel R. Jacobson. Commissioner
Department of Energy
101 Commerce Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102
(201) 648-2744
Insurance
James J. Sheeran
Commissioner of Insurance
201 E State Street
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
(609) 292-5363
Eugene F. Gery, Acting Director
Division of Consumer Services
Department of Insurance
P.O. Box 1510
201 E State Street
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
(609) 292-5374
Transportation and/or Utilities
New Jersey Board of Public
Utilities
101 Commerce Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102
(201) 648-3733
William Gural. Director
Rate Counsel of New Jersey
Department of Public Advocate
10 Commerce Court, Rm. 411
Newark. New Jersey 07102
(201) 648-2690
George H. Barbour, President
Consumer Services
Public Utilities Commission
1100 Raymond Boulevard
2nd Boor
Newark. New Jersey 07102
(201) 648-2096
Weights and Measures
William J. Wolfe, Superintendent
Office of Weights and Measures
187 W Hanover Street
Trenton. New Jersey 08625
(609) 292-4615
New Mexico
General
Joe Canepa, Director
Consumer and Economic
Crime Division
Office of Attorney General
P.O. Box 1508
Santa Fe. New Mexico 87501
(505) 827-5521
County Offices
Bemallllo County
Jon Feder, Director
Consumer Affairs Division
District Attorney's Office
Public Services Division
415TiJeras
Albuquerque. New Mexico 87102
(SOS) 766-4326
Valencia County
Presiliano Torres
Assistant District Attorney
for Consumer Protection
P.O. Box 718
Los Lunas, New Mexico 87031
(505) 865-9643
Aging
Don Barcheck, Director
Commission on Aging
440 St. Michaels Drive
Chamisa Hills Building
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503
(505) 827-2802
Banking and Credit
Arthur L Ortiz, Director
Financial Institutions Division
Commerce and Industry Department
Lew Wallace Building
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503
(505) 827-2217
Energy
Larry Kehoe, Secretary
Department of Energy and Minerals
P.O. Box 2770
Sante Fe, New Mexico 87501
(505) 827-2471
Insurance
Manuel A. Garcia, Jr.
Superintendent of Insurance
P.O. Drawer 1269
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
(505) 827-2451
Transportation and/or Utilities
Richard P. Montoya, Chairman
New Mexico
Public Service Commission
226 Bataan Memorial Building
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503
(505) 827-2827
Columbus Ferguson, Commissioner
New Mexico State
Corporation Commission
P.O. Drawer 1269
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
(505) 827-2277
Steven Asher
Assistant Attorney General and
Director of Energy Unit
P.O. Drawer 1508
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
(505) 827-5521
Weights and Measures
Charles H. Greene, Chief
Consumer and Marketing Service
P.O. Box 3170
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003
(505) 646-1616
New York
General
Rosemary S. Pooler
Chairperson and Executive Director
Consumer Protection Board
99 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12210
(518) 474-8583
Branch Offices
Rosemary S. Pooler, Chairperson
Consumer Protection Board
Two World Trade Center
Room 8225,82nd Floor
New York, New York 10047
(212) 488-5666
Mehrin Leventhal
Assistant Attorney General in Charge
Consumer Frauds and
Protection Bureau
Office of Attorney General
Two World Trade Center
New York. New York 10047
(212) 488-7450
State Office
Harry Michelson
Assistant Attorney General
Consumer Frauds and
Protection Bureau
State Capitol
Albany, New York 12224
(518) 474-8686
Branch Offices
Edwin W.Barry
Assistant Attorney General in Charge
10 Lower Metcalf Plaza
Auburn, New York 13021
(315) 253-9765
Assistant Attorney General in Charge
Office of Attorney General
44 Hawfey Street
State Office Building
Binghampton, New York 13901
(607) 773-7823
Judith B. MandeDa
Assistant Attorney General in Charge
Office of Attorney General
65 Court Street
Buffalo, New York 14202
(716) 842-4396
Walter E. Babcock
Assistant Attorney General in Charge
Suffolk State Office Building
Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, New York 11787
(516) 979-5190
Charles H. Lewis
Assistant Attorney General in Charge
Office of Attorney General
48 Cornelia Street
Pittsburgh, New York 12901
(518) 561-1980
Eugene Welch
Assistant Attorney General
Office of Attorney General
65 Broad Street
Rochester, New York 14614
(716) 454-4540
Thomas J. Maroney
Acting Assistant Attorney
General in Charge
333 £ Washington Street
Syracuse, New York 13202
(315) 473-8181
Robert Buohner
Assistant Attorney General
40 Garden Street
Poughkeepsie. New York 12601
(914) 452-7744
Assistant Attorney General in Charge
207 Genesee Street. Box 528
Udca, New York 13501
(315) 797-6120, exL 234
Terence J. Germain
Assistant Attorney General in Charge
317 Washington Street
Watertown, New York 13601
(315) 782-0100. ext 444
County Offices
Erie County
Thomas Herter, Chief
Consumer Fraud Bureau
District Attorney's Office
25 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14202
(716) 855-2424
Efzabeth Bowen. Charman
Consumer Protection Comrmfee
95 Franktn Street
Buffalo. New York 14202
(716)846-6690
Kings County
Mike Hammerman
Assistant District Attorney
General in Charge
Consumer Frauds and
Economic. Crimes Bureau
Municipal fluking
210 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn. New York 11201
(212)834-5000
(Complaints of Cnnwtal
Nature Only)
Nassau County
James E. Picken. Commissioner
Office of Consumer Affairs
160 Old Country Road
Mineota, New York 11501
(516) 535-3100
Robert darey
Assistant District Attorney
Commercial Frauds Bureau
1425 Old Country Road
Plainview. New York 11803
(516) 420-5058
Ontida County
Virginia Gaflagher. Director
County Office Buftfng
800 Park Avenue
Utica. New York 13501
(315) 798-5601
Onondaga County
Erik Dressier. Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
County Civic Center
421 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, New York 13202
(315) 425-3479
Orange County
James VanzeOa. Director
Department of Weights and
Measures and Consumer Affairs
99 Main Street
Orange County Courthouse Annex
Goshen, New York 10924
(914) 294-5151. exL 162
David S. FBtler
District Attorney
District Attorney's Office
of Consumer Affairs
County Government Center
Goshen. New York 10924
(914) 294-5471
Puuisin County
Director
Department of Consumer Affairs
206 County Office BuMng
Carmel. New York 10512
(914) 225-3641, ext 215
Doug La Rccque, Director
Citizens Affairs
1600 7th Avenue
Troy. New York 12180
(518) 270-5444
Rocktand County
JcUnes Ffiftcss, Director
Offioo of Consume Proiocton
County Office BuUng
10 Now HmpstBttd Rood
New City. New York 10966
(914)425-5280
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Stsubsn County
Duane Wraight Director
Department of
Weights and Measures
and Consumer Affairs
19 E Morris Street
Bath. New York 14810
(607)776-4949
Suffolk County
Anthony Apollaro, Commissioner
Department of Consumer Affairs
Suffofc County Center
Veterans Memorial HiQhway
Hauppauge. Long Island,
New York 11787
(516) 979-3100
Ulster County
Jonathan Burstein, Director
Consumer Fraud Bureau
285 Wall Street
Kingston. New York 12401
(914) 331-2926
Warren County
George Wartime
Director of Weights and Measures
and Consumer Protection
Municipal Center
Lake George, New York 12845
(518) 792-9951, ext 264
Westchester County
Jonathan Friedman, Chief
Frauds Bureau
District Attorney's Office
111 Grove Street
County Courthouse
White Rains, New York 10601
(914) 682-2160
Kenneth Hate, Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
County Office Building
White Plains, New York 10601
(914) 682-3300
City Offices
Babylon
Edward Capalbo. Chairman
Babylon Consumer Protection Board
200 E Sunrise Highway
Lindenhurst, New York 11757
(516) 957-3021
Cotonle
Mans C. Hart, Chairperson
Cotonie Consumer Protection Agency
Memorial Town Hall
Newtonvilte, New York 12128
(518) 783-2790
Croton-on-Hudson
Consumer Affairs Bureau
Town of CorBandt
Municipal Building
Croton-on-Hudson, New York 10520
(914) 739-7900
(Mon.-Fri.: 9:00 am to Noon)
Greenburg, Town of
Barbara Rosen, Chairperson
Greenburgh Consumer Board
Town of Greenburgh
P.O. Box 205
Bmsford. New York 10523
(914) 693-7808 (Mon., Tue., Thurs.,
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
Hunlliiyton
Larry Gabor, Chairman
Consumer Protection Board
423 Park Avenue
Huntington, New York 11743
(516) 421-1000, ext. 271
MtVemon
Stephen Redone, Commissioner
Office of Consumer Affairs
City Hall
Mt. Vemon, New York 10550
(914) 668-2200, ext. 201
New Rochelle
Kenneth W. Hale, Director
104 County Office Building
White Plains, New York 10601
(914) 682-3300
New York City
Bruce flatner. Commissioner
Department of Consumer Affairs
80 Lafayette Street
New York. New York 10013
(212) 566-5456
Brooklyn (Neighborhood Office)
Elizabeth Borden, Director
New York City Office of
Consumer Affairs
Brooklyn Complaint Center
185 Montague Street
Brooklyn, New York 11201
(212) 5964780
Queen* (Neighborhood Office)
Mark Josefsberg. Director
Department of Consumer Affairs
120-55 Queens Boulevard
Room 203
Kew Gardens, New York 11424
(212) 261-2922, 2923
Bronx (Neighborhood Office)
Ken Brown, Director
Consumer Complaint Center
1932 Arthur Avenue
Bronx, New York
(212) 299-1400
East Harlem (Neighborhood Office)
Eugenia Hoyle, Director
227 E 116th Street
New York, New York 10029
(212)348-0600
Staten Island (Neighborhood Office)
Marie Fischer, Director
Consumer Complaint Center
Staten Island Bureau Hall
Staten Island, New York 10301
(212) 390-5154
(212) 390-5155
Orangeburg
June M. Groll, Chairman
Consumer Protection Board
Orangeburg Town Hall
26 Orangeburg Road
Orangeburg, New York 10962
(914) 359-5100
Oswego
Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
104 City Hall
Naval Militia Building
Lake Street
Oswego, New York 13126
(315) 342-2410
Ramapo
Marsha Abstender, Chairperson
Consumer Protection Board
Ramapo Town Hall, Route 59
Suffem, New York 10901
(914) 357-5100, ext. 267
Schenectady
Dante Massaroni, Director
Bureau of Consumer Protection
22 City Hall
Jay Street
Schenectady, New York 12305
(518) 382-5061
Syracuse
Jeanne Schultheis, Director
Consumer Affairs Office
422 City Hall
223 E Washington Street
Syracuse, New York 13202
(315) 473-3240
Yonkers
Michael Brills, Director
Office of Consumer Protection
201 Palisade Avenue
Yonkers. New York 10703
(914) 9654)707
(914) 963-3980. ext. 301
Aging
Lou Glasse, Director
Office for the Aging
Agency Building No. 2
Empire State Plaza
Albany, New York 12223
(518) 474-5731
Banking and Credit
Muriel F. Siebert
Superintendent of Banks
Two World Trade Center
32nd Floor
New York, New York 10047
(212) 488-2310
Branch Office
Two World Trade Center
Room 5036
New York, New York 10047
(212) 488-6405
Energy
James L Larocca. Commissioner
New York State Energy Office
Agency Building No. 2,10th Floor
Empire State Plaza
Albany. New York 12223
(518) 474-8313
Insurance
Albert B. Lewis
Superintendent of Insurance
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10047
(212) 488-4124
Nathan Silver, Chief
Consumer Services Bureau
State Insurance Department
Two World Trade Center
New York. New York 10047
(212) 488-4005
Lester Grimmell, Supervisor
Consumer Complaint Bureau
State Insurance Department
Albany. New York 12210
(518) 474-4556
Transportation and/or Utilities
New York Public Service
Commission
Empire State Plaza
Albany, New York 12223
800-522-8707 (Outside
New York City)
Jean Lowe
Public Service Commission
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10047
(212) 488-4332 (Electric)
(212) 488-4392 (Natural Gas)
(212) 488-5330 (Telephone)
Harold Abramson, Director
Utility Intervention Office
New York State Consumer
Protection Board
99 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12210
(518) 474-5015
Edward J. Canty
Assistant Commissioner
New York State Department of
Transportation
1220 Washington Avenue
Building No. 5. State Campus
Albany, New York 12232
(518) 457-1016
Weights and Measures
John J. Bartfai, Director
Bureau of Weights and Measures
1220 Washington Avenue
Building 7-A
Albany, New York 12235
(518) 457-3452
North Carolina
General
John R.B. Matthis
Special Deputy Attorney General
and Division Head, Consumer
Protection Division
Justice Building, P.O. Box 629
Raleigh. North Carolina 27602
(919) 733-7741
William A. Wilder. Jr.. Director
Office of Consumer Services
Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 27647
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
(919) 733-7125
Aging
Nathan H. Yelton. Assistant Secretary
North Carolina Division for Aging
Department of Human Resources
708 Hillsborough Street, Suite 200
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
(919) 733-3983
Banking and Credit
James S. Currie
Commissioner of Banks
P.O. Box 951
Raleigh, North Carolina 27602
(919) 733-3016
Energy
Brian Flattery, Director
Energy Management Division
North Carolina Department
of Commerce
430 N Salisbury Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
(919) 733-2230
Insurance
John R. Ingram
Commissioner of Insurance
P.O. Box 26387
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
(919) 733-7343
Barry Clause, Consumer Liaison
Department of Insurance
P.O. Box 26387
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
(919) 733-2032
Transportation snd/or Utilities
Robert K. Koger
North Carolina Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 991
Raleigh, North Carolina 27605
(919) 733-4249
Executive Director
Public Staff
North Carolina Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 991
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
(919) 733-2435
70
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Craig Stevens. Director
Consumer Services
Public Utilities Commission Staff
P.O. Box 991
Raleigh, North Carolina 27602
(919) 733-4271
Special Deputy Attorney General
Attorney General's Office
Utilities Division
P.O. Box 629
Raleigh, North Carolina 27602
(919) 733-7214
Weights and Measures
Marion Kinlaw, Director
Weights and Measures Division
P.O. Sox 26056
Raleigh. North Carolina 27611
(919) 733-3313
North Dakota
General
Allen I. Olson
Attorney General for the
State of North Dakota
State Capitol Building
Bismarck, North Dakota 58505
(701) 224-2210
Dale V. Sandstrom
Assistant Attorney General
and Counsel
Consumer Fraud Division
State Capitol Building
Bismarck, North Dakota 58505
(701) 224-3404
800-472-2600 (North Dakota
residents only)
Bonnie Omdorf, Supervisor
Consumer Affairs Office
State Laboratories Department
Box 937
Bismarck. North Dakota 58505
(701) 224-2485
800-472-2927 (North Dakota
residents only)
County Office
Quad County
Mike Thorstienson
Executive Director
Quad Counties Community
Action Agency
27V4 S Third
Grand Forks, North Dakota 58201
(701) 746-5431
Aging
G. D. Shaw. Administrator
Aging Services
Social Services Board of North Dakota
State Capitol Building
Bismarck, North Dakota 58505
(701) 224-2577
Banking and Credit
Leroy Gilbertson
Commissioner of Banking
and Financial Institutions
State Capitol Building
Bismarck, North Dakota 58505
(701) 224-2253
Energy
Clifford Ness
Energy Conservation Coordinator
State Office of Energy Management
Capitol Place Office
1533 North 12th Street
Bismarck. North Dakota 58501
(701) 224-2250
Insurance
Byron Knutson
Commissioner of Insurance
Capitol Building, 5th Floor
Bismarck, North Dakota 58505
(701) 224-2444
Transportation and/or Utilities
North Dakota Public Service
Commission
State Capitol Building
Bismarck, North Dakota 58505
(701) 224-2400
Weights and Measures
Adin Helgeson, Director
Department of Weights and Measures
State Capitol Building
Bismarck, North Dakota 58505
(701) 224-2400
Ohio
General
Mike Zatezalo
Assistant Attorney General
and Section Chief
Consumer Frauds and
Crimes Section
30 E Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-8831
County Offices
Franklin County
Jim Lewis
Economic Crime Division
Office of Prosecuting Attorney
Hall of Justice
369 S High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 462-3248
Greene County
Tom Neal, Acting Staff Director
Consumer Protection and
Education Office
194 E Church Street
Xenia, Ohio 45385
(513) 376-1351
Lake County
Jim Speros
Consumer Protection Division
Office of Prosecuting Attorney
Lake County Courthouse
Painesvilte. Ohto 44077
(216) 352-6281. ext. 281
Mahonlng County
Joe Leonard, Investigator
for Consumer Fraud Division
County Prosecutor's Office
County Courthouse
120 Market Street
Youngstown. Ohio 44503
(216) 747-2000, ext. 431
Medina County
James Butler. Investigator
County Prosecutor's Office
215 Washington Street
Medina, Ohio 44256
{216} 723-3641. ext. 38
Montgomery County
Patricia Steiner
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
Fraud Section
County Courts Building
41 N Perry
Dayton. Ohio 45422
(513) 228-5126
Portage County
Sharon B. Rshel. Representative
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
County Prosecutor's Office
Consumer Protection Division
247 S Chestnut Street
Ravenna. Ohio 44266
(216) 296-4593
Summit County
William Carrefl
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
Bureau of Investigations
53 E Center Street
Akron. Ohio 44308
(216) 379-5230
City Offices
Akron
Anthony Ladd. Superintendent
Division of Weights and Measures
and Consumer Protection
1420 Triplet! Boulevard
Akron, Ohio 44306
(216) 375-2878
Canton
James R. Kalkman
City Sealer am Commissioner
of Consumer Protection
919 Walnut Avenue. NE
Canton. Ohio 44704
(216) 489-3065
Cincinnati
Noel Morgan. Chief
Consumer Protection Division
City Solicitor's Office
236 City Hall
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
(513) 352-3971
Cleveland
Herman Kammeman, Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
119 City Hall
601 Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland. Ohio 44114
(216) 664-3200
Columbus
Odella T. Welch
Director of Community Services
50 West Gay Street, 3rd Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 222-8350
Dayton
Ronald C. Roat, Consumer Advocate
Division of Consumer Services
7 E 4th Street. Room 824
Dayton. .Ohio 45402
(513) 225-5048
Toledo
Tom Fought. Chief
Consumer Protection Agency
151 N Michigan Avenue
Toledo. Ohio 43624
(419) 247-6191
Youngstown
Anthony C. Julan. Director-Sealer
Division of Consumer Affairs
Mill Creed Community Center
496 Gtenwoed Avenue
Youngstown. Ohto 44502
(216) 747-3561
Aging
Martin A. Jans. Director
Commission on Agng
SO W Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-5500
Banking and Credit
Frederick E. MBs
Superintendent of Banks
Division of Banks
180 E Broad Street 14th Floor
Columbus. Onto 43215
(614) 466-2932
Energy
Robert S. Ryan. Director
Ohio Department of Energy
State Office Tower. 34th Floor
30 E Broad Street
Columbus. Ohio 43215
(614) 466-1805
Insurance
Harry V. Jump
Director of Insurance
2100 Stella Court
Columbus. Ohio 43215
(614) 466-3584
Trar
tation and/or Iffiities
C. Luther Hecksman. Chairman
Ohio Pubic UtBties Commission
180 E Broad Street
Columbus. Ohio 43215
(614) 466-3016
Wiffiam A. (Bffl) Spattey
Consumers'Counsel of Ohio
137 E State Street
Columbus. ONo 43215
(614)466-8574
Weights Mid I
Kenneth Adcodc. Chief
Division of Weights and Measures
8995 E Main
RenoMsburg, Ohio 43068
(614) 866-6361
Oklahoma
General
Administrator
Department of Consumer Affairs
460 Jim Thorpe BukSng
Oklahoma dry. Oklahoma 73105
(405)521-3653
Lewis l_ Darrefl
Assistant Attorney General
for Consumer Protection
112 State Capital BuUng
Oklahoma City. Oklahoma 73105
(405)521-3921
Aging
Roy Ft. Keen. Director
Special Unit on Aging
Department of Insfflubons
Social and Rehabttation Service
P.O. Box 25352
Oklahoma City. OUahoma 73125
(405)521-2281
a Y. Empie
Commissioner of Bdiriuiig
MafcoBuBdng
4100 N Lincoln Boutevard
Oklahoma C*y, OUahoma 73105
(405)521-2782
71
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Energy
Richard G. Nil, Director
OMahoma Department of Energy
4400 N Una* Boulevard
Suite 251
OMahoma CHy, Oklahoma 73105
(405) 521-3941
Gerald Grimes
Insurance Commissioner
408 WIK Rogers Memorial Building
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
(405) 521-2828
Transportation and/or Utilities
Danny McDonald
General Administrator
Oklahoma Corporation Commission
Jim Thorpe Office Building
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
(405) 521-2264 Regulates public
utilities, oil and gas production
and transportation)
Charles Rogers
Assistant Attorney Genera)
State of Oklahoma
112 State Capitol Building
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
(405) 521-3921
Weights and Measures
Director
Marketing Division
Weights and Measures Section
122 State Capitol Building
OMahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
(405)521-3860
Oregon
General
Ross Layboum, Chief Counsel
Consumer Protection Division
Office of Attorney General
520 SWYamhill Street
Portland, Oregon 97204
(503)229-5522
Caroline Wilkins, Administrator
Consumer Services Division
Department of Commerce
Labor and Industries Building
Salem, Oregon 97310
(503)378-4320
Aging
Bob Zeiger, Administrator
Office of Bdeny Affairs
Human Resources Department
772 Commercial Street, SE
Salem, Oregon 97310
(503) 378-4728
BfinJdnQ flnd Credit
JohnB. CHin
Superintendent of Banks
Department of Commerce
Busk* Building
Salem. Oregon 97310
(503)3784140
Energy
Lynn Frank, Director
Department of Energy
Labor and Industries Building
Salem, Oregon 97310
(503) 378-4131
Insurance
Wilfred W. Fritz
Insurance Commissioner
158 12th Street, NE
Salem, Oregon 97310
(503) 376-4271
Transportation and/or Utilities
John J. Lbdell, Commissioner
Oregon Public Utility Commission
300 Labor and Industries Building
Salem, Oregon 97310
(503)378-6611
Weights and Measures
K.J. Simila, Administrator
Weights and Measures Division
Agriculture Building
Salem, Oregon 97310
(503)378-3792
Pennsylvania
General
Judith B. Schimmel. Acting Director
Bureau of Consumer Protection
301 Market Street, 9th Floor
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101
(717) 787-9707
Branch Offices
Christopher B. Lee
Deputy Attorney General
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Department of Justice
133 N 5th Street
Allentown, Pennsylvania 18102
(215) 821-0901
Gary H. Nash
Assistant Attorney General
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Department of Justice
919 State Street, Room 203
Erie. Pennsylvania 16501
(814) 871-4371
Terry W. Lazin, Director
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Department of Justice
Strawberry Square, 15th Floor
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17121
(717) 787-7109
John E. Kelly Attorney General
1405 Locust Street, Suite 825
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
(215) 238-6475
Robert C. Edmundson
Attorney General
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Department of Justice
300 Liberty Avenue, Room 1405
Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania 15222
(412) 565-5135
Jerome E. Parker
Deputy Attorney General
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Department of Justice
100 Lackawanna Avenue
105A State Office Building
Scranton, Pennsylvania 18503
(717) 961-4913
Gary Nash, Regional Manager
Erie Regional Office
Commerce Building
919 State Street, Room 203
Erie, Pennsylvania 16501
(814) 871-4371
Harold Wolfe. Regional Manager
Pittsburgh Regional Office
300 Liberty Avenue
State Office Building
Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania 15222
(412) 565-5020
Marian Birch, Rural Coordinator
Pennsylvania Department
of Agriculture
615 Howard Avenue
Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601
(814) 943-1133 (8:00 am. to 4:00 p.m.)
Walter W. Cohen, Consumer Advocate
Office of Consumer Advocate
Department of Justice
Strawberry Square, 14th Floor
Harrisburg. Pennsylvania 17127
(717) 783-5048
County Offices
Allegheny County
Beverly Smith, Director
Bureau of Consumer Affairs
320 Jones Law Annex
311 Ross Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
(412) 355-5402
Armstrong County
Lawrence Camberg
Armstrong Consumer Protection
Community Action Agency
125 Queen Street
Kittanning, Pennsylvania 16201
(412) 548-8696
Berks County
Doris Kalinoski, Director
Consumer Action of Berks County,
Incorporated
City Hall, 8th and Washington
Reading, Pennsylvania 19601
(215) 373-5111. ext. 369
Bucks County
Peggy Adams
Bucks County Department
of Consumer Protection
Administration Annex
Broad and Union Streets
Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901
(215)348-2911
Carbon County
Ronald Slivka, Project Coordinator
Carbon County Action Committee
Consumer Referral Service
61 Broadway
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania 18229
(717) 325-3678
Cumberland County
Cathy Strague, Director
Bureau of Consumer Affairs
35 E High Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 249-1133, ext 251, 252
Delaware County
Evelyn YancosMe, Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
Tool Building
2nd and Orange Streets
Media, Pennsylvania 19063
(215) 891-2430
Lancaster County
Michael Ranck
Assistant District Attorney
Consumer Protection Commission
Lancaster County Courthouse
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602
(717) 299-7921
Montgomery County
Betty Linker, Director
Consumer Affairs Department
County Courthouse
Norristown, Pennsylvania 19404
(215) 278-3565
SchuyMII County
Atwood C. Freed, Coordinator
Consumer Protection Agency
County Courthouse
Pottsville, Pennsylvania 17901
(717) 462-1952
Westmoreland County
Bruce Tobin, Director
Bureau of Consumer Affairs
102 W Otterman Street
P.O. Box Q
Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601
(412) 836-6170
York County
Laura Berger, Director
York County Consumer
Protection Office
Courthouse
28 E Market Street
York, Pennsylvania 17401
(717)848-3301,0x1.357
City Offices
Thomas Mclntosh, Director
Mayor's Office of
Consumer Services
143 City Hall
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
(215) 686-2798
Michael Mustokoff, Chief
Economic Crime Unit
District Attorney's Office
Centre Square W
16th and Market Streets
24th Floor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
(215) 686-8030
Aging
Gorham L. Black, Jr., Secretary
Department of Aging
404 Finance Building
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
(717) 787-5350
Banking and Credit
Ben McEnteer
Secretary of Banking
P.O. Box 2155
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
(717) 787-6992
Wilbur H. Stark
Consumer Affairs Coordinator
Department of Banking
P.O. Box 2155
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
(717) 787-1854
72
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Energy
Robert Shinn. Executive Director
Governor's Energy Council
1625 N Front
Harrisburg. Pennsylvania 17120
(717) 783-8610
Insurance
Harvey Bartle. Ill
Commissioner of Insurance
4th and Walnut Streets
Strawberry Square, 13th Floor
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
(717) 787-5173
Richard A. Sebastian, Director
Policy Holders Service
and Protection
Department of Insurance
Strawberry Square, 13th Floor
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
(717)787-2317
Transportation and/or Utilities
W. Wilson Goode, Chairman
Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission
P.O. Box 3265
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
(717) 783-1740
Joseph Farrell, Director
Public Utility Commission
Bureau of Consumer Services
North Office Building
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 19120
(717) 783-5391
Walter W. Cohen
Consumer Advocate of
Pennsylvania
Department of Justice
Strawberry Square, 14th Floor
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
(717) 783-5048
Weights and Measures.
Fred A. Thomas. Director
Bureau of Standards
Weights and Measures
2301 N Cameron Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110
(717) 787-9089
Puerto Rico
General
Carmel Diaz
Department of Consumer Affairs
Minillas Governmental Center
Torre Norte Building
De Diego Avenue, Stop 22
P.O. Box 41059
Santurce, Puerto Rico 00940
(809) 726-6090
Banking
Julio Cesar Perez
Secretary of the Treasury
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
P.O. Box 4515
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00905
(809) 722-3048
Energy
Frank Castellon, Director of Energy
Office of the Governor
Minillas Government Center
North Building - Stop 22
P.O. Box 41089. Minillas Station
Santurce, Puerto Rico 00940
(809) 726-4740 or 3636
Insurance
Rolando Cruz
Commissioner of Insurance
P.O. Box 3508
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00904
(809) 722-0141
Transportation and/or Utilities
Puerto Rico
Public Service Commission
P.O. Box S-952
Old San Juan Station
San Juan. Puerto Rico 00902
(809) 725-7575
Rhode Island
General
Al Montanari, Administrator
Public Protection Consumer Unit
Department of Attorney General
56 Pine Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
(401) 277-3163
Aging
Division on Aging
Department of Community Affairs
150 Washington Court
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
(401) 277-2858
Banking and Credit
Peter A. Nevola
Bank Commissioner
100 N Main Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
(401) 277-2405
Energy
Dante lonaia, Director
Energy Capability and
Management
State Energy Office
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
(401) 277-3374
Edwin P. Palumbo
Executive Director
Rhode Island Consumers' Council
365 Broadway
Providence. Rhode Island 02909
(401) 277-2764
Insurance
Thomas J. Caldarone, Jr.
Insurance Commissioner
100 N Main Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
(401) 277-2223
William A. Maloney
Motor Carrier Examiner
Division of Public
Utilities and Carriers
Public Utilities Commission
100 Orange Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
(401) 277-2442
Transportation and/or Utilities
Rhode Island Public
Utilities Commission
100 Orange Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
(401) 277-3500
Thomas Oates
Associate Administrator for
Consumer Affairs
Division of Public Utilities
100 Orange Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
(401) 277-2443
Weights and Measures
E.R. Fisher. Administrator
Mercantile-Weights and Measures
470 Aliens Avenue
Providence, Rhode Island 02905
(401) 277-2758
South Carolina
General
Afthea Wright. Coordinator
Office of Citizens Service
Governor's Office
P.O. Box 11450
Columbia. South Carolina 29211
(803) 758-3261
In/in D. Parker. Administrator
Department of Consumer Affairs
2221 Devine Street
Columbia. South Carolina 29211
(803) 758-2040
800-922-1594
W. Joseph Isaacs
Assistant Attorney General
for Consumer Protection
2303 Devine Street
Columbia. South Carolina 29205
(803) 758-3040
William V. Bradley. State Ombudsman
Office of Executive Policy and Program
1205 Pendleton Street 4th Floor
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
(803) 758-2249
Aging
Commission of Aging
915 Main Street
Columbia. South Carolina 29201
(803) 758-2576
Banking and Credit
Robert C. Cleveland
Commissioner of Banking
1026 Sumter Street, Room 217
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
(803) 758-2186
Energy
Dr. Lamar E. Priester. Jr., Director
Division of Energy Resources
SCN Center, Suite 1130
1122 Lady Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
(803) 758-7502
Insurance
John W. Lindsay
Insurance Commissioner
2711 Middleburg Drive
Columbia, South Carolina 29204
(803) 758-2185
Bruce Templeton, Division Director
Market Conduct Division
Department of Insurance
P.O. Box 4067
Columbia. South Carolina 29240
(803) 758-2876
Transportation and/or Utilities
Irvin D. Parker, Consumer Advocate
Department of Consumer Affairs
Division of Consumer Advocate
2221 Devine Street
Columbia. South Carolina 29250
(803) 758-5864
Charles W. Vateran Drecter
UtUrbes Diveswo
P.O. Box 11649
Columbia. Soutfi Caroina 29211
(803) 758-2342
800-922-1531
J.T Smith. Director
Transportation Dmsxxi
P.O. Box 11649
Columbia. South Caroftna 29211
(803) 758-2541
800-922-1531
Weights and I
C.T. Smth. Director
Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 11280
Columbia. South Caroina 29211
(803) 758-7470
South Dakota
General
LeAnn Finke
Assistant Attorney General
Division of Consumer Protection
Capitol Building
Pierre. South Dakota 57501
(605) 773-3215
Branch Office
Frank R. Caito. Investigator
Aice L Braugtnn. Investigator
Office of the Attorney General
Division of Consuner Protection
114 S Main Avenue
Sioux Fate. South Dakota S7102
(605)339-6691
Aging
Office on Aging
Department oJ Social Service
State Office Buiking
Illinois Street
Pierre, South Dakota 57501
(605)773-3656
Banking and Credit
Walter E. Wintrode. Director
Banking and Finance
State Capitol Building
Pierre. South Dakota 57501
(605)773-3421
Energy
Harry Christiansen. Director
Office of Energy Pofcy
State Capitol
Pierre. South Dakota 57501
(605)773-3603
Lowefl L Knutson
Director of Insurance
Insurance BuBcfng
Pierre. South Dakota 57501
(605)773-3563
Transportation and/or UMttos
PuMc UtXfes Commission
Capitol Bufcfng
Pierre. South Dakota 57S01
(605)773-3203
Ben Stead, Assistant Attorney General
Pubfic Ufjibes Commission
Pierre. South Dakota 57501
(605)773-3201
73
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Weight* and I
Ted Wetend, Director
Division of Consumer Protection
Department of Commerce
State Capitol BukSng
Pierre, Sou* Dakota 57501
(605)773-3696
Tennessee
Ann Eaden, Director
Division of Consuner Affairs
Department of Agriculture
EBngton Agriculture Center
80x40627. Metoose Station
Nashville, Tennessee 37204
(615) 741-1461
Edwin M. Walker
Assistant Attorney General
for Consumer Protection
450 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, Tennessee 37219
(615) 741-1671
Ctty Office
NeMnVIlM
Bettys BaNhrop. Director
Mayor's Office of Consumer Affairs
107 Metro Courthouse
Nashville, Tennessee 37201
(615) 2594047
Aging
Tennessee Commission on Aging
535 Church Street
703 Tennessee Building
Nashville, Tennessee
(615) 741-2056
Banfctng and Credit
Thomas C> Mottem
Commissioner of Banking
460 Capitol Hill Building
311 7th Avenue N
Nashville. Tennessee 37219
(615) 741-2236
Energy
Leon Guthrie, Acting Director
Tennessee Energy Authority
707 Capitol Boulevard Building
Nashville, Tennessee 37219
(615) 741-1772
Insurance
John C. Neff
Commissioner of Insurance
114 State Office Building
Nashville. Tennessee 37219
(615) 741-2241
Transportation and/or UtJIlUe*
A.D. Atkins, Chairman
Tennessee Public Service
Commission
C1-100 Cordell Hull Building
Nashville, Tennessee 37219
(615) 741-2785
Weights and Measures
Robert M. Reeves, Acting Director
Weights and Measures
Box 40627 Melrose Station
Nashville, Tennessee 37204
(615) 741-1411
Texas
General
David F.Bragg
Assistant Attorney General
Consumer Protection and
Antitrust Division
Office of Attorney General
P.O. Box 12548, Capitol Station
Austin. Texas 78711
(512) 475-3288
Branch Offices
Craig Vrttitoe
Assistant Attorney General
4313 N 10th, Suite F
McAllen, Texas 78501
(512) 682-4547
Joe Chumlea
Assistant Attorney General
701 Commerce, Suite 200
Dallas. Texas 75202
(214) 742-8944
David J. Ferrel
Assistant Attorney General
4824 Alberta Avenue
Suite 160
El Paso, Texas 79905
(915) 533-3484
Assistant Attorney General
312 County Office Building
806 Broadway
Lubbock. Texas 79401
(806) 747-5238
Juan Hinojosa
Assistant Attorney General
200 Main Plaza. Suite 400
San Antonio, Texas 78205
(512) 225-4191
Nicotes Perez
Assistant Attorney General
723 Main Street, Suite 610
Houston, Texas 77002
(713) 228-0701
Coordinator
Consumer Credit
201 E Belknap Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
(817) 334-1788
County Office*
Bexar County
J.H. Sterling
Assistant Criminal District
Attorney and Chief.
Consumer Fraud Division
Office of Criminal District Attorney
San Antonio, Texas 78205
(512) 220-2323
Dallas County
Richard Zadina, Director
Consumer Fraud Division
Special Crime Division
2700 Stemmons Expressway
500 Stemmons Tower East
Dallas. Texas 75207
(214) 630-6300
El Paso, Culbenon and
Hudspeth Counties
David J. Ferrell, Director
Consumer Protection Division
Office of Attorney General
El Paso County Annex Building
4824 Alberta Street. Suite 160
El Paso. Texas 79905
(915) 533-3484
Harris County
Spencer Gardner
Assistant District Attorney
Consumer Fraud Division
Office of District Attorney
201 Fannin Bank Building
Houston, Texas 77002
(713) 221-5636
Tarrant County
Travis Young
Assistant District Attorney
Economic Crimes
200 W Belknap Street
Fort Worth. Texas 76102
(817) 334-1261 (Criminal
consumer fraud)
Travis County
RoryO'Malley
Consumer Coordinator
Consumer Affairs Office
624 B
N Pleasant Valley Road
Austin. Texas 78702
(512) 474-6554
Waller, Austin and Fayette
Counties
OBver S. rapzman, District Attorney
County Courthouse, Box 171
Hempstead, Texas 77445
(713)826-3335
City Office*
Charles Vincent Director
Department of Consumer Affairs
City Hall, Room 2BN
Dallas, Texas 75201
(214) 670-4433
Fort Worth
Office of Consumer Affairs
Weights and Measures
1800 University Drive
Room 208
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
(817) 870-7570
Richard J. Brown, Director
Office of Consumer Services
Department of Human Resources
600 Hemisfair Way
Building 249
San Antonio, Texas 78205
(512) 226-4301
Aging
Governor's Committee on Aging
Executive Office Building
411 W 13th Street
ROOTS 4 and 5
Austin, Texas 78703
(512) 475-2717
Banking and Credit
Robert E. Stewart
Banking Commissioner
2601 N Lamar
Austin, Texas 78705
(512) 475-4451
Sam Kelley, Commissioner
Office of Consumer Credit
1011 San Jadnto Boulevard
P.O. Box 2107
Austin. Texas 78768
(512)475-2111 (Consumer
credit only)
Energy
AMn Askew, Administrative Assistant
for Energy Resouces
Office of the Governor
7703 N Lamar Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78752
(512) 475-5491
Dr. Milton Holloway
Executive Director
Texas Energy Advisory Council
7703 N Lamar Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78752
(512) 475-7017
Insurance
E.J. Voorhis
Commissioner of Insurance
1110 San Jacinto Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78786
(512) 475-2273
Transportation and/or Utilities
Texas Aeronautics Commission
410 E 5th Street
1st and Seasonal ROOTS
P.O. Box 12607
Capttol Station
Austin, Texas 78711
(512) 475-4762
Texas Public Utility Commission
7800 Shoal Creek Boulevard
Suite 400 N
Austin, Texas 78757
(512)458-6111
Texas Railroad Commission
P.O. Drawer 12967
Capitol Station
Austin, Texas 78711
(512) 475-2439
Joyce Beasley
Assistant Attorney General
P.O. Box 12548
Capitol Station
Austin, Texas 78711
(512) 475-3288
Weights and Measures
Ed Whitesides, Director
Rural Urban Business
Standards Division
Box 12847
Capitol Station
Austin, Texas 78711
(512) 475-4303
Utah
General
Eueda C. McCoy. Director
Division of Consumer Affairs
Utah Trade Commission
Department of Business
Regulation
330 E Fourth Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
(801) 533-6441
Michael N. Martinez
Assistant Attorney General
Consumer Protection Unit
Office of Attorney General
236 State Capitol
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114
(801) 533-5261
Aging
Division of Aging
Department of Social Services
1 SOW North Temple
SaH Lake City. Utah 84103
(801) 533-6422
74
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Banking and Credit
Mirvin D. Borthick
Commissioner of Financial
Institutions
10 W Broadway, Suite 331
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
(801) 533-5461
Energy
Jack Lyman, Director
Utah Energy Office
231 W 400 South
Room 101
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
(801) 533-5424
Insurance
Roger C. Day
Commissioner of Insurance
326 S 500 East
Salt Lake City, Utah 84102
(801) 533-5611
Transportation and/or Utilities
Milly Bernard, Chairman
Utah Public Service Commission
330 E 4th South Street
Salt Lake City. Utah 84111
(801) 533-5522
Or. Joseph L Ingles
Administrative Secretary
Utah Committee of Consumer
Services
330 E 4th Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
(801)533-5511
Weights and Measures
Edison Stephens, Director
Weights and Measures Services
5757 S 320 West
Murray. Utah 84107
(801) 533-5459
Vermont
General
Phillip C. Linton, Chief
Assistant Attorney and Chief of the
Consumer Protection Division
State of Vermont
Office of Attorney General
109 State Street
Montpelier, Vermont 05602
(802) 828-3171
800-642-5149
Trafford Brink. Director
Weights and Measures Division
Auto Retail Inspection
Department of Agriculture
Montpelier. Vermont 05602
(802) 828-2436
Aging
Harry Schunacher, Acting Director
Office on Aging
Agency of Human Services
State Office Building
Montpelier. Vermont 05602
(802) 241-2400
Banking and Credit
Stewart Ledbetter
Commissioner of Banking
and Insurance
120 State Street
State Office Building
Montpelier, Vermont 05602
(802) 828-3301
Energy
Ronald A. Allbee, Director
State Energy Office
State Office Building
Montpelier, Vermont 05602
(802) 828-2393
Insurance
Stewart M. Ledbetter
Commissioner of Banking
and Insurance
120 Stale Street
State Office Building
Montpelier, Vermont 05602
(802) 828-3301
Transportation and/or Utilities
Richad Saudek, Chairman
Vermont Public Service Board
120 State Street
State Office Building
Montpelier. Vermont 05602
(802)828-2811
Norman J. Coates. Chief
Consumer Affairs Division
Vermont Public Service Board
120 State Street
Montpelier. Vermont 05602
(802) 828-2332 (Utilities Only)
Virginia
General
Joan W. Murphy
Assistant Attorney General
Division of Consumer Counsel
11 S 12th Street, Suite 308
Richmond. Virginia 23219
(804) 786-4075
Roy L. Farmer, Administrator
and Director
State Office of Consumer Affairs
Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services
825 E Broad Street, Box 1163
Richmond, Virginia 23209
(804) 786-2042
800-552-9963 (Regarding
State Agencies)
Branch Office
Mary Ann Shurtz. Coordinator
3016 Williams Drive
Fairfax. Virginia 22031
(703) 573-1286
County Offices
Arlington County
Charles E. Hammond
Executive Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
2049 15th Street, North
Arlington, Virginia 22201
(703) 558-2142
Fairfax County
Ron Mallard, Director
Department of Consumer Affairs
4031 University Drive
Fairfax. Virginia 22030
(703) 691-3214
Prince William County
Peter Drymalski, Director
Office of Consumer Affairs
15960 Cardinal Drive
Woodbridge, Virginia 22191
(703) 221-4156
City Offices
Alexandria
Naomi Medvin
Consumer Affairs Coordinator
Office of Consumer Affairs
P.O. Box 178
City Hall
Alexandria, Virginia 22313
(703) 750-6675. 6697
Newport News
James F. Topping, Supervisor
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Office of Consumer Affairs
City Hall
2400 Washington Avenue
Newport News, Virginia 23607
(804) 247-8616
Norfolk
Martin D. Greenwell. Chief
Division of Consumer Affairs
804 City Hall Building
Norfolk, Virginia 23501
(804) 441-2823
Roanoke
Donald R. Nolen. Manager
Consumer Protection Division
353 Municipal Building
215 Church Avenue, SW
Roanoke, Virginia 24011
(703) 981-2583
Virginia Beach
J. N. McClanan
Consumer Protection Officer
Division of Consumer Protection
City Hall
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456
(804) 427-4421
Aging
Office on Aging
830 E Main Street
Suite 950
Richmond. Virginia 23219
(804) 786-7894
Banking and Credit
Sidney A. Bailey
Commissioner of Financial
Institutions
Suite 1600
701 E Byrd Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804)786-3657
Energy
George L Jones, Slate Coordinator
Office of Emergency and
Energy Services
310 Turner Road
Richmond, Virginia 23225
(804)745-3305
Insurance
James W. Newman, Jr.
Commissioner of Insurance
700 Blanton Building
Richmond, Virginia 23209
(804) 786-3741
Transportation and/or Utilities
James Wittine, Director of
Energy Regulation
Virginia State Corporation Commission
Blanton Building
P.O. BOX 1197
Richmond. Virginia 23209
(804)786-3601
Edward Ackison Director
of Communication
Virginia State Corporation Commssiort
Blanton BuiWng
P.O. Box 1197
Richmond, Virginia 23209
(804) 786-3601
Eric M. Page
Assistant Attorney General
Division of Consumer Counsel
11 S 12lh Street. Suite 308
Richmond. Virginia 23219
(804)786-4075
Weights and Measures
James F. Lyfes. Supervisor
Weights and Measures Section
1 N 14th Street Room 032
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 786-2476
Washington
General
Tom Boeder
Assistant Attorney General and
Chief. Consumer Protection and
Antitrust Division
1366 Dexter Morton Bulking
Seattle, Washington 98104
(206) 464-7744
800-552-0700
Branch Offices
Doug Shade). Investigator
for the Otympia Area
Consumer Protection Division
Temple of Justice
Orympia, Washington 98504
(206) 753-6210
John Lamp. Chief
Spokane Office of Attorney General
960 Pauteen Professional Bufldng
Spokane. Washington 99201
(509) 456-3123
Slade Gorton. Attorney General
Office of Attorney General
620 Perkins Bulking
Tacoma. Washington 98402
(206)593-2904
Joan Boyce. Consumer Spetiafst
215 Union Avenue Buttng
Olyrnpia. Washington 98504
(206)753-0929
County Office
King County
Gene S. Anderson, Chief Deputy
Prosecuting Attorney
Fraud Division
E531 King County Courthouse
Seattle. Washington 98104
(206) 583-4513
City Offices
Everett
Fred Latehaw. Inspector
Weights and Measures Department
dry Han
3002 Wetrnore Avenue
Everett. Washington 98201
(206)25*6845
Director
Department of Licenses and
Consumer Affairs
102 Municipal BufeSng
Seattle. Washington 98104
(206)625-2536
(206) 625-2712 (Compttnt Line)
75
-------
Chartes Re«d. Director
Bureau on Aging
Mai Stop OB43G
Olympia, Washington 98504
(206)753-2502
Banking and Credit
M D. Edwards. Supervisor of Banking
219 General Administration
Building
Olympia. Washington 98504
(206)753-6520
Energy
Jack O. Wood. Director
Washington Energy Office
400 E Union Street 1st ROOT
Orympia. Washington 98504
(206) 753-2417
Insurance
Dick Marquardt
Insurance Commissioner
Insurance Building
Mail Stop AQ21
Orympia, Washington 98504
(206) 753-7301
Transportation and/or Utilities
Robert C. Bailey. Chairman
Washington Utilities and
Transportation Commission
Highways-Licenses Building
Mail Stop PB02
Orympia. Washington 98504
(206)753-6423
Weights and Measures
John H. Lewis, Chief
Weights and Measures Section
2747 29th Avenue, SW
Tumwater, Washington 98502
(206)753-5059
West Virginia
General
John Anthony Reed, Director
Consumor Protection Division
Office of Attorney General
3412 Staunton Avenue. SE
Charleston, West Virginia 25305
(304)348-8986
David L. Griffith, Director
Consumer Protection Division
Department of Labor
1900 Washington Street E
Charleston. West Virginia 25305
(304) 348-7890 (Weights and
Measures. Beddmg, Upholstery)
City Office
Jane H. Theflings, Director
Consumer Protection Department
P.O. Box 2749
Charleston, West Virginia 25330
(304) 348-8173
Aging
Director, Commissioner on Aging
State Capitol
Charleston, West Virginia 25305
(304)348-3317
Banking and Credit
W. LobeB Higgjns
Commissioner of Banking
State Office Bulking 6
RoomB-406
1900 Washington Street E
Charleston, West Virginia 25305
(304)348-2294
Energy
John Herholdt, Director
Fuel and Energy Division
Governor's Office of Economic
and Community Development
1262V* Greenbriar Street
Charleston. West Virginia 25305
(304) 348-8860
Insurance
Richard G. Shaw
Insurance Commissioner
1800 Washington Street, E
Charleston, West Virginia 25305
(304) 348-3386
Transportation and/or Utilities
West Virginia Public Service
Commission
E-217 State Capitol Building
Charleston. West Virginia 25305
(304) 348-2182
Chauncey H. Browning, Jr.
Attorney General of West Virginia
Office of Attorney General
26E State Capitol Building
Charleston. West Virginia 25305
(304) 348-2021
(304) 348-8986 (Consumer Protection
Division)
Weights and Measures
David L Griffith. Director
Division of Consumer Protection
1900 Washington Street E
Charleston, West Virginia 25305
(304) 348-7890
Wisconsin
General
James Jeffries
Assistant Attorney General
Office of Consumer Protection
Department of Justice
State Capitol
Madison. Wisconsin 53702
(608) 266-1852
Branch Office
Jonathan P. Siener
Office of Consumer Protection
Milwaukee State Office Building
819 N 6th Street Room 520
Milwaukee. Wisconsin 53203
(414) 224-1867
State Office
Mary K. Ryan, Administrator
Division of Consumer Protection
Department of Agriculture,
Trade and Consumer Protection
P.O. Box 8911
Madison, Wisconsin 53708
(608)266-9837
800462-8025 (Wisconsin only)
Branch Offices
Gary Bauer, Supervisor
Northwest District Office
1727 Loring Street
Artoona, Wisconsin 54720
(715) 836-2861
DeniseStrey
Northeast District Office
1181 A Western Avenue
Green Bay, Wisconsin 54303
(414) 497-4210
Donald Dean. Supervisor
Southeast District Office
10320 W Silver Spring Drive
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53225
(414) 257-8966
County Offices
Kenosha County
Richard Armstrong
Consumer Investigator
912 56th Street
Kenosha, Wisconsin 53140
(414) 656-6480
Marathon County
Rand L Kruger. District Attorney
District Attorney's Office
Marathon County Court House
Wausau, Wisconsin 54401
(715) 842-0471
Milwaukee County
Greg Herman
Assistant District Attorney
Consumer Fraud Unit
821 W State Street
Room 412
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233
(414) 278-4792
Portage County
Fred Fleishauer, District Attorney
District Attorney's Office
Consumer Fraud Unit
Portage County Court House
Stevens Point. Wisconsin 54481
(715) 346-3393
Racine County
Dennis Barry, District Attorney
District Attorney's Office
Consumer Fraud Division
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine,Wisconsin 53403
(414) 636-3125
Aging
Bureau on Aging
Department of Health and Social
Services
Division of Community Services
1 W Wilson Street, Room 700
Madison, Wisconsin 53702
(608) 266-2536
Automobiles
Donovan Krohn, Chief
Dealer Complaint Section
Division of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 7909
Madison, Wisconsin 53707
(608) 266-1425
Banking and Credit
Erich Mildenberg
Commissioner of Banking
30 W Mifflin Street, Room 401
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
(608) 266-1621
Energy
Ken Howard, Administrator
Division of State Executive
Budget and Planning
Madison, Wisconsin 53702
(608)266-3382
Insurance
Susan Mitchell
Commissioner of Insurance
123 W Washington Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin 53702
(608)266-3585
Transportation and/or Utilities
Stanley York, Chairman
Wisconsin Public Service
Commission
432 Hill Farms State Office
Building
Madison, Wisconsin 53702
(608) 266-1241
Gehrmann E. Bernard
Administrative Officer
Wisconsin Transportation
Commission
Hill Farms State Office Building
4802 Sheboygan Avenue
P.O. Box 7957
Madison, Wisconsin 53707
(608) 266-2321
Weights and Measures
R.W. Probst. Director
Bureau of Standards
Department of Agriculture
Box 3911, 801 W Eadger Road
Madison, Wisconsin 53708
(608) 266-7241
Wyoming
General
Jim Gusea
Assistant Attorney General
123 Capitol Building
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002
(307) 777-7841
Aging
Department of Health and
Social Services
Division of Pubic Assistance
and Social Services
Hathaway Building
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002
(307) 777-7561
Banking and Credit
Dwlght 0. Bonham, State Examiner
819 W Perching Avenue
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002
(307) 777-7797
Energy
Dick Hartman
State Planning Coordinator
2320 Capitol Avenue
Cheyenne. Wyoming 82002
(307) 777-7574
Insurance
John T. Langdon
Insurance Commissioner
2424 Pioneer
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
(307) 777-7401
Transportation and/or Utilities
Wyoming Public Service Commission
Capitol Hill Building
320 W 25th Street
Cheyenne. Wyoming 82002
(307) 777-7427
Weights and Measures
W. W. Hovey, Director
Division of Markets
2219 Carey Avenue
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002
(307) 777-7321
76
* U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE i 1980 0 - 301-7S6
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For More Information
If you have questions about any program or agency in the Federal Government, you may want to call the Federal I
Center (FIC) nearest you. FIC staffs are prepared to help consumers find needed information or locate the right agency—
usually Federal, but sometimes state or local—for help with problems. Each city listed below has an FIC or a tieline—a toll-free
local number connecting to an FIC elsewhere. Local listings printed in italics are tielines to the nearest FIC.
ALABAMA
Birmingham
Mobile
ARIZONA
Phoenix
Tucson
ARKANSAS
Little Rock
CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles
Sacramento
San Diego
San Francisco
San Jose
Santa Ana
205-322-8591
205-438-1421
602-261-3313
602-622-1511
501-378-6177
213-688-3800
916-440-3344
714-293-6030
415-556-6600
408-275-7422
774-836-2386
IOWA
Des Moines
KANSAS
Topeka
Wichita
KENTUCKY
Louisville
LOUISIANA
New Orleans
MARYLAND
Baltimore
MASSACHUSETTS
Boston
575-284-4448
973-295-2866
376-263-6937
502-582-6261
504-589-6696
301-962-4980
617-223-7121
COLORADO
Colorado Springs
Denver
Pueblo
CONNECTICUT
Hartford
New Haven
303-477-9497
303-837-3602
303-544-9523
203-527-2677
203-624-4720
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Washington
FLORIDA
Fort Lauderdale
Jacksonville
Miami
Orlando
St. Petersburg
Tampa
West Palm Beach
GEORGIA
Atlanta
HAWAII
Honolulu
ILLINOIS
Chicago
INDIANA
202-755-8660
305-522-8537
904-354-4756
305-350-4155
305-422-7800
813-893-3495
873-229-7977
305-833-7566
404-221-6891
808-546-8620
312-353-4242
MICHIGAN
Detroit
Grand Rapids
MINNESOTA
Minneapolis
MISSOURI
Kansas City
St. Joseph
St. Louis
NEBRASKA
Omaha
NEW JERSEY
Newark
Patersonl
Passaic
Trenton
NEW MEXICO
Albuquerque
Santa Fe
NEW YORK
Albany
Buffalo
New York
Rochester
Syracuse
313-226-7016
676-457-2628
612-725-2073
816-374-2466
816-233-8206
314-425-4106
402-221-3353
201-645-3600
207-523-0777
609-396-4400
505-766-3091
505-983-7743
578-463-4427
716-846-4010
212-264-4464
776-546-5075
375-476-8545
Gary/Hammond
Indianapolis
279-883-4770
317-269-7373
NORTH CAROLINA
Charlotte
704-376-3600
OHIO
Akron
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Columbus
Dayton
Toledo
OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma City
Tulsa
OREGON
Portland
PENNSYLVANIA
Allentown/
Bethlehem
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Scranton
RHODE ISLAND
Providence
TENNESSEE
Chattanooga
Memphis
Nashville
TEXAS
Austin
Dallas
Fort Worth
Houston
San Antonio
UTAH
Ogden
Salt Lake City
VIRGINIA
Newport News
Norfolk
Richmond
Roanoke
WASHINGTON
Seattle
Tacoma
WISCONSIN
Milwaukee
276-375-5655
513-684-280'
21 6-522 -^C
573-223-7377
479-247-3223
405-231-4888
978-584-4793
503-221-2222
275-827-7785
215-597-7042
412-644-3456
777-346-7087
407-337-5565
675-265-8237
901-521-3285
675-242-5056
512-472-5494
274-767-8585
817-334-3624
713-226-5711
572-224-4477
807-399-7347
801-524-5353
804-244-0480
804-441-3101
804-643-*928
703-982-8597
206-442-0570
206-383-5230
474-277-2273
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