Empowering Consumers AFPL

20 Questions:
Empowering Consumers

Using this software
• Microphone • Text chat
• Raising your hand • Feedback
• Green / Red X • Audio
• Laughing / Clapping • Full Screen
• Stepping out
• Exiting

Question One
• Question:
“I’m interested in giving to a variety of causes. How
can I be sure a charity is reputable?”
• Resource:
• Charity Navigator
• http://www.charitynavigator.org/

Question Two
• Question:
• “I have been very displeased with the management
company of my apartment complex. I’ve called and called,
but nothing seems to work. What next?”

• Resource:
• Department of Housing and Urban Development, Renter’s
Rights by State
• http://www.hud.gov/renting/tenantrights.cfm

Question Three
• Question:
• “Well, I tried everything I know to do with the apartment
management company, and now I want to complain in
some meaningful way. What can I do?”

• Resource:
• Better Business Bureau
• http://www.bbb.org/
• Consumer Action Handbook
• http://www.consumeraction.gov/

Question Four
• Question:
• “Strange things have been happening to me lately. I think
someone might have stolen my identity. What steps do I
need to take?”

• Resource:
• Federal Trade Commission, Identify Theft
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft//
• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
• http://www.privacyrights.org/index.htm

Question Five
• Question:
• “Another parent told me she was suspicious of a Monsters,
Inc. book my kids are reading. She thinks its been recalled!
How can I find out of this is the case?”

• Resource:
• Consumer Products Safety Commission, Recalls
• http://www.cpsc.gov/
• http://www.recalls.gov/

• Auto Recalls: http://www-
odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsearch.cfm

Question Six
• Question:
• “Freeee Credit Reeeport.com. I see those ads every day. I’d
like to see my reports, but there are so many options.
Which is the most reliable/trustworthy?”

• Resource:
• Annual Credit Report
• https://www.annualcreditreport.com
• More info about credit reports-
• http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre34.shtm

•

Question Seven
• Question:
• “Now that I know my credit is in good shape, I want
to apply for a new, low interest card with some
benefits. Where can I find the best cards?”

• Resource:
• Card Ratings
• http://www.cardratings.com/

Question Eight
• Question:
• “I’m interested in buying the fancy Google phone. Is it any
good? How does it stack up against the Iphone?

• Resource:
• CNET, ZDNET
• http://www.cnet.com
• http://www.zdnet.com

Question Nine
• Question:
• “I have some beautiful antiques that simply must be
appraised. How can I find a reputable appraiser in my
area?”
• Resource:
• International Society of Appraisers Directory
• http://www.isa-appraisers.org/ISA_form.html

• Or American Society of Appraisers (ASA), and the Appraisers
Association of America (AAA)

Question Ten
• Question:
• “The phone is a constant source of frustration in my life.
What will help me with managing my calls?”

• Resource:
• Get Human:
• http://www.gethuman.com/
• National Do Not Call Registry:
• https://www.donotcall.gov/
• Who Called Us?
• http://whocalled.us/lookup/

Question 11
• Question:
• “There are lots of great consumer health resources for
people, but fewer for pets! Can you help me find a good site
with information about pet care, pet products, and other
services?”

• Resource:
• American Animal Hospital Association, Healthy Pet
• http://www.healthypet.com

Question 12
• Question:
“I’ve still got an old brick phone from the 90’s lying
around. Where can I recycle it?”
• Resource:
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “e-cycling”
• http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/materials/ec
ycling/index.htm

Question 13
• Question:
• “I was reading an article on purchasing new cars
that suggested I find out the invoice price.
• “What does this mean? Where can I find that?”

• Resource:
• edmunds.com, Pricing System

•

Question 14
• Question:
• “Before I know what hit me, it will be time to send
my kids to college. Where can I find more
information about college savings plans available
in my state?”

• Resource:
• College Savings Plans Network
• http://www.collegesavings.org

Question 15
• Question:
• “I have little to no understanding of the investment
landscape. At my new job, I have the option of investing in a
401k. I need help understanding how it works!”

• Resource:
• The Investor’s Clearing House, Investor Education
• http://investoreducation.org/

Question 16
• Question:
• “I am trying to save some money on legal fees. Are there
resources online where I can get forms?”

• Resource:
• Findlaw
• http://www.findlaw.com
• Nolo
• http://www.nolo.com

Question 17
• Question:
• “I need to find good information about the effectiveness of
dietary and herbal supplements—can you help?”

• Resource:
• Office of Dietary Supplements
• http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/

• General consumer health information-Medline Plus:
• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/

Question 18
• Question:
• “I just had the best experience buying sportswear
at a Jockey outlet store. I really want to send my
compliments to the parent company. How would I
do that?”

• Resource:
• Planet Feedback
• http://www.planetfeedback.com/

Question 19
• Question:
• “New technology is so expensive. Is there a
place where I can find good deals?”

• Resource:
• Woot!
• http://www.woot.com

Question 20
• Question:
• “I was just in this online class where I learned about a lot of resources
for consumers, but I know there have to be a lot more. Where can I find
more info?”

• Resource:
• Consumer Action
• http://www.consumeraction.gov
• Clark Howard
• http://clarkhoward.com/
• Internet Public Library, Consumer Issues and Services
• http://www.ipl.org/IPLBrowse/GetSubject?
vid=13&cid=1&tid=6615&parent=6607
• http://www.consumerworld.org/

Thank You for Attending!
Questions?
• Professional
Development
• 1.800.999.8558
– Ext. 4916
• Web: lyrasis.org
•Email: russell.palmer@lyrasis.org

Empowering Consumers AFPL

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