Links & References

Consumer Information

Order Consumer Publications
Order Publications and fact sheets on consumer issues from the Federal Citizen Information Center. This service is provided by the Federal Citizen Information Center of the U.S. General Services. Most of the publications are free and will be sent to you free of charge. Also, many publications have a PDF form for download at no cost.
Take Action
Learn more about your rights as a consumer and how to write a complaint letter on the Consumer Action Website
Free Discount Prescription Card
Alameda County is now offering its residents a free discount prescription card to help lower their cost of obtaining prescription drugs. While the card is generally for people without health insurance, the card in many cases has better pricing than what people with health insurance are paying for their prescriptions. So it's good for everyone to compare pricing even if they have insurance.

With the Alameda County free discount prescription card you will save up to 65% on individual brand-name and generic drugs. Your entire family will truly enjoy the savings up to 65% for each prescription filled and overall savings of up to 38% annually occurred in 2008. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with all of the benefits of the discount prescription card.
A Guide to Mortgage Resources in California
California's Consumer Home Mortgage Information web site! Here you will find helpful information and links if you are considering buying a home, or if you already own a home, or have a mortgage and may be experiencing difficulty in keeping your payments current.
7 On Your Side
The 7 On Your Side team is a local Bay Area watchdog group fighting for consumer rights. The consumer unit is led by Michael Finney.
Consumer Expert Tom Vacar with KTVU/Fox 2
Get local information on scams, recalls, product safety and advertising issues that affect Bay area Consumers.
Consumer Reports Online
Consumer Reports Online is published by Consumers Union, an independent, nonprofit testing and information organization. Since 1936, CU's mission has been to test products, inform the public and protect consumers.

Other Resources

Identity Theft Forum at Laney College
Consumer Guides and Protection for Citizens
Consumer information from the U.S. government's official web portal.
Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection
The FTC works to eliminate unfair or deceptive marketplace practices.
California Public Utilities Commission
The CPUC regulates privately owned electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, railroad, rail transit, and passenger transportation companies.
California Department of Insurance
The California Department of Insurance web site provides useful tools to aid the consumer in making informed decisions about insurance.
California Contractors State License Board
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) protects consumers by licensing and regulating California's construction industry.
Consumer Action News
Consumer Action, founded in 1971, is a national non-profit education and advocacy organization engaged in financial literacy and consumer protection.
California Department of Consumer Affairs
Alameda County District Attorney, Consumer & Environmental Protection Division
State of California Consumer Services Center
Consumer Protection from California's Attorney General
Attorney General Kamala D. Harris has made consumer fraud prevention a top priority. This site contains useful information on consumer issues and guidance for filing a complaint.