Consumer Services Guide (CSG)

Consumer Action 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.

Listings for the City of Washington

These are the results for consumer specific consumer resources for DC. The listing is grouped by primary service category, then sorted alphabetically.

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• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), (DOTT)
  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a law enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Justice. Its unique responsibilities include protecting the public and reducing violent crime. ATF enforces the Federal laws and regulations relating to alcohol and tobacco diversion, firearms, explosives, and arson. (Washington, DC)
  
• Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)
  The FMC protects shippers, carriers and others engaged in the foreign commerce of the U.S. from restrictive rules and regulations of foreign governments and from the practices of foreign-flag carriers that have an adverse effect on shipping in U.S. trades; * Investigates, upon its own motion or upon filing of a complaint, discriminatory, unfair, or unreasonable rates, charges, classifications, and practices of ocean common carriers,… (Washington, DC)
  
• Securities Investor Protection Corporation
  SIPC maintains a special reserve fund authorized by Congress to protect investors at bankrupt brokerage firms. This site features information and tips, as well as an online claim center, which allows investors in liquidation proceedings to produce case-specific filing documents. (Washington, DC)
  

Attorneys General

• Department of Justice (DOJ)
  To enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law; to ensure public safety against threats foreign and domestic; to provide federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; to seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior; and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans. (Washington, DC)
  
• District of Columbia - Attorney General
  The District of Columbia’s Office of the Attorney General (OAG) enforces the District’s consumer protection and antitrust laws. It brings court actions to stop deceptive, anticompetitive, or unconscionable business practices and to obtain compensation for consumers. Although this office does not represent individual consumers, it uses complaint information it receives to determine whether there is a pattern or practice by a business that warrants investigation… (Washington, DC)
  
• National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG)
  Find the name and contact information of the Attorney General of any state. (Washington, DC)
  

Auto

• Center for Auto Safety (CAS)
  Provides information on auto defects, child safety seats, recalls and lemon laws. Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope with 55 cents postage with your request or complaint; include make, model and year. CAS compiles complaints to press for recalls, regulation and class action suits; maintains a referral service of California lawyers who take auto warranty and lemon law cases; publishes a guide to buying a new… (Washington, DC)
  
• Center for the Study of Services
  Books, pamphlets and services help consumers select doctors, hospitals, health plans, and get good prices on new cars. Publications also help consumers shop for good prices and desired features in big-ticket products such as audio-video, major appliances, sporting goods, tires, home-office, etc. (Washington, DC)
  
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  You can register a complaint regarding anything involving vehicle safety and learn if there is an active investigation. Recording provides information on vehicle safety, recalls and defects. Give make, model and year of car to learn if it has been subject to a recall or is under investigation. Crash test data is available; also gives information on child safety seats. Leave your address and the… (Washington, DC)
  

Banking Authorities

• American Bankers Association
  Industry group site contains a lot of information for consumers and calculators to help you figure mortgage, auto, and college loan rates. (Washington, DC)
  

Better Business Bureau

• District of Columbia - Better Business Bureau (BBB)
  Contact for pre-purchase inquiry and complaint information on local businesses. Takes complaints on companies and arbitrates problems and disputes. Monitors and reviews local advertising and tracks and reports on charitable organizations. Serving Metropolitan Washington, DC and Eastern Pennsylvania. (Washington, DC)
  
• Maryland - Better Business Bureau (BBB)
  Contact for pre-purchase inquiry and complaint information on local businesses. Takes complaints on companies and arbitrates problems and disputes. Monitors and reviews local advertising and tracks and reports on charitable organizations. (Washington, DC)
  
• Pennsylvania - Better Business Bureau (BBB)
  Contact for pre-purchase inquiry and complaint information on local businesses. Takes complaints on companies and arbitrates problems and disputes. Monitors and reviews local advertising and tracks and reports on charitable organizations. (Washington, DC)
  
• Virginia - Better Business Bureau (BBB)
  Contact for pre-purchase inquiry and complaint information on local businesses. Takes complaints on companies and arbitrates problems and disputes. Monitors and reviews local advertising and tracks and reports on charitable organizations. (Washington, DC)
  

Children and Young Adults

• National Consumers League
  The National Consumers League is America’s oldest consumer organization, representing consumers and workers on marketplace and workplace issues since our founding in 1899. NCL provides government, businesses, and other organizations with the consumer’s perspective on concerns including child labor, privacy, food safety, and medication information. (Washington, DC)
  

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