Works for consumers to prevent fraud, deception, and unfair business practices in the marketplace. Services include: - Information on fraud issues and publications that include advice on avoiding scams, as well as tips on other consumer topics - Information for submitting a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection about a particular company or organization

Information line staffed by specialists answering questions, providing resources and referral to government offices, and/or research the request of the inquirer. Frequently requested information is available by phone recordings 24 hours/7 days a week. U.S. Government services and information include: - Apply for passports or renew a passport - Consumer issues on when services go wrong, purchases, and how to be a safe consumer - Disability programs and services - Disaster and emergencies on how to prepare for, and recover from disasters - Education programs including primary, secondary, and higher education - Government agencies and elected officials within federal, state, and local government - Government benefits, grants, and loans - Health resources from the government - Housing resources - Jobs and unemployment - Laws and legal issues on reporting, research U.S. laws, and file a complaint against the government - Military and veteran programs - Money and taxes - Questions about U.S., programs and most requested facts - Small business startup, get financing help and more - Travel and immigration information - Voting and elections on common questions and processes

Products not under jurisdiction: - Cars - Tires - Boats - Car seats - Foods - Drugs - Cosmetics - Medical devices - Firearms - Business dissatisfaction - Pesticides Enforces the following acts: - Consumer product safety - Federal hazardous substances - Flammable fabrics - Poison prevention packaging - Refrigerator door safety - Information on recalls - Provides safety publications Individuals can call to report potentially hazardous products, report a product related injury, or request information about the safety aspects of products

Offers the following services: - Enforcement of food, drug, and cosmetic acts and allied acts - Provide speakers for consumer groups on regulatory requirements, health fraud, and food labeling - Provide consumer literature on products regulated (health fraud, drugs, food issues, nutrition) - Research and respond to reports of contaminated food products, drugs, or medical devices

Handles consumer complaints, mediation of disputes with businesses and/or referral to other appropriate governmental agencies. The complaint process can include a wide variety of consumer areas including utilities, student loans, automobiles, and scams of all types. Provides information on consumer laws and consumer issues through telephone contacts and consumer information brochures. Includes information on the Fair Credit Reporting Act and similar Minnesota statute involving credit checks and background checks. Provides information on Minnesota charities and the laws that govern them. Brochures available free of charge include, but not limited to: - Abusive/Predatory Lending - Cars for Charity: A Guide to Vehicle Donations - Conciliation Court - Debt Collection Fact Sheet - Disaster Information - Foreign Advance Fee Fraud - Guarding Your Privacy: Tips to Prevent Identity Theft - Home Buyer's Handbook - Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities - Managing Your Health Care - Mental Health Care - Seniors' Legal Rights - Student Loan Guide - The Car Handbook - The Credit Handbook - Tips For Charitable Giving Website contains additional information and full text of most brochures as well.