Campaign Brings Consumer Tips

Launched by the website, NCPW.gov, a clearinghouse of consumer resources created through a partnership between the federal government and nonprofit agencies such as the Better Business Bureau and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the National Consumer Protection Week 2011 was held March 6–12. At Decisive Latino, we believe the benefits of consumer information from the campaign remain useful at any time.

The goal of the campaign was to empower consumers by informing them of their rights while offering useful information on such topics as consumer privacy, online security and identity theft.

Consumer Guide
The campaign featured several consumer resources, including the Consumer Action Handbook. You can order your free copy or download a PDF version online. Please allow three to four weeks for delivery for your orders.

The handbook features:

1. General tips on buying products and services as well as in-depth explanations on consumer’s rights and responsibilities
2. Instructions on how to file a complaint, including a sample letter of complaint that consumers can use when trying to resolve a dispute
3. A directory of government agencies as well as nonprofit organizations dedicated to consumer issues

Internet Guide
OnGuardOnline.gov, a website that provides tips on a variety of online security topics including how to protect yourself against Internet fraud, how to secure your computer and how to protect your personal information, was also featured.

You can also find tips about safe internet behavior for parents and children, including guidelines for safe interactions in the social media world. Other topics include:

• Precautions you should consider when sharing information online
• Appropriate behavior when interacting with others online
• What to do in case you're a victim of cyber bullying

Other Resources for Consumers
NCPW.gov features a blog with in-depth articles on some of the most important consumer issues today, such as how to save your home and avoid scams, tips on using public wireless networks, and settling your credit card debt without going broke.

Besides the blog, the website links to government and nonprofit websites that offer resources to consumers, including:

• Better Business Bureau—a nonprofit organization that, among other things, advances marketplace trust by denouncing substandard marketplace behavior
• AARP—a nonprofit organization that helps people who are more than 50 years old improve the quality of their lives
• Federal Citizen Information Center—the center is a one-stop source for answers to questions about consumer problems and government services
• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—besides insuring our banks, the FDIC offers consumer-related information

USA.gov and GobiernoUSA.gov are the U.S. Government’s official web portals in English and Spanish, and part of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).