Consumer Services Guide (CSG)
Consumer Services Guide (CSG) Edition
The Consumer Services Guide is searchable directory of resources which can help you with consumer problems and questions. There are multiple editions of the 'Guide', some which deal with specific issues such as housing or credit. The full directory, the Consumer Service Guide Edition, provides access to all the resources collected by Consumer Action.Records Found: 227
- Sonoma County Rental Information and Mediation
Contact for mediation in landlord/tenant disputes and for landlord/tenant law information. - State Information Operator
Call for information on how to contact state government agencies. Los Angeles: (213) 897-9900 Sacramento: (916) 657-9900 or 322-9900 - State PIRG Consumer Protection Pages
Offers consumer surveys and fact sheets on ATM rates, bank fees, and auto, toy, and product safety. - Surface Transportation Board (STB), (DOT)
The STB was created in the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act of 1995 and is the successor agency to the Interstate Commerce Commission. The STB is an economic regulatory agency that Congress charged with the fundamental missions of resolving railroad rate and service disputes and reviewing proposed railroad mergers. The STB is decisionally independent, although it is administratively affiliated with the Department of Transportation. The… - Tel-Law
TEL-LAW is a free phone-bank of recorded messages written by lawyers to help the public with their legal questions. - The Beehive
A site with information and resources about money, health, jobs, school and family. - The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights
The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (run by Prop 103 author Harvey Rosenthal and associates) is out to give corporate lobbyists and special interest groups a run for their (considerable) money. Site contains info on the group's California-based insurance and HMO reform efforts, among other topics. - The Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco
Provides a free service for information and advocacy of renters rights. - The National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems, Inc. (NAPAS)
The National Disability Rights Network serves a wide range of individuals with disabilities – including, but not limited to, those with cognitive, mental, sensory, and physical disabilities – by guarding against abuse; advocating for basic rights; and ensuring accountability in health care, education, employment, housing, transportation, and within the juvenile and criminal justice systems. This Association provides its national members with advocacy services through the… - The Trades Guild
Provides preliminary screening and background information on tradespeople. There is no charge for the referral service. - The Utilities Consumers' Action Network (UCAN)
The Utility Consumers’ Action Network is San Diego’s Non-Profit Utility Watchdog. UCAN protects consumers from abusive practices in the energy, gasoline, telecommunications, water and other areas. - Toxic Substances Control Act Assistance Information Service Hotline (TSCA), (EPA)
- TURN (The Utility Reform Network)
A California consumer group that engages in advocacy on utility rate issues on behalf of residential and small business consumers; offers advice and referrals. - U.S. PIRG (Public Interest Research Group)
A nonprofit, non-partisan organization dedicated to serving as watchdog for the nation's citizens and environment. Produces reports on campaign finance reform, consumer issues such as ATM rates and auto safety, and advocates for strong consumer safeguards in the areas of product safety and environmental issues. State chapters focus on more regionally important issues, but also mirror national concerns. - United Policyholders
A nonprofit organization that provides information about insurance from the consumer's point of view. They offer help in understanding your insurance policies, as well as tips for making a successful claim, especially after a natural disaster. - United States Coast Guard, (DHS)
The United States Coast Guard is a military, multimission, maritime service and one of the nation’s five Armed Services. Its mission is to protect the public, the environment, and U.S. economic interests – in the nation’s ports and waterways, along the coast, on international waters, or in any maritime region as required to support national security. - United States Coast Guard: National Response Center, (DHS)
NRC must be called immediately if there is environmental release of hazardous chemicals, biological, radiological or etiological agents or oil pollution; NRC provides the WMD hotline. - United States Patent and Trademark Office (DOC)
The USPTO is a federal agency in the Department of Commerce. For over 200 years, the basic role of the USPTO has remained the same: to promote the progress of science and the useful arts by securing for limited times to inventors the exclusive right to their respective discoveries (Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution). Under this system of protection new products… - United States Postal Service (USPS)
In order to meet the real-time needs of consumers and better serve them, the Consumer Advocate's office provides three channels to gather feedback from its customers. Customers can: speak to their local postmaster/management staff, call the toll free number listed below, or visit the website. - United States Secret Service: Office of Government Liaison & Public Affairs, (DHS)
The United States Secret Service is mandated by statute and executive order to carry out two significant missions: protection and criminal investigations. The Secret Service protects the President and Vice President, their families, heads of state, and other designated individuals; investigates threats against these protectees; protects the White House, Vice President’s Residence, Foreign Missions, and other buildings within Washington, D.C.; and plans and implements security… - United Way of San Diego County
A free confidential information and referral service. - Ventura County District Attorney
Consumer information and advice. Complaints accepted in consumer-merchant disputes where either the consumer or the merchant is located in Ventura County. Some landlord/tenant disputes accepted. - Veteran's Employment and Training Service - DOL
VETS provides Veterans with the resources and services to succeed in the 21st century work force by maximizing their employment opportunities, protecting their employment rights and meeting labor-market demands with qualified Veterans. - Veterans Health Administration (10C3), (VA)
Call for information about medical care. - Visa Services - DoS
For information on U.S. visas for foreigners.