Consumer Information

General Information

Subscription Databases
The library subscribes to many databases that may contain useful consumer information and product reviews. These databases may be accessed in the library or remotely with your Merrimack library card barcode.

National Consumer Protection Week
An excellent resource for consumer information from the federal government. This is a simple resource that brings together federal resources of interest to consumers in many categories. The "ScamAlert" section provides information concerning various catagories to update consumers about particular incidents.

Publications.USA.gov
This website is packed with information about money, business, automobiles, and much more.

Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry gives you a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls at home. Register and relax!

eXtension
A centralized online resource for the Cooperation Extension System, with links to local extension offices affiliated with UNH. Topics include agriculture, horticulture, livestock management, family matters, pest control, personal finance, health, and disaster management.

Identity Theft Resource Center
Identity Theft Resource Center® (ITRC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to the understanding and prevention of identity theft. It provides victim and consumer support as well as public education. The ITRC also advises governmental agencies, legislators, law enforcement, and businesses about the evolving and growing problem of identity theft.

Reducing Junkmail
A free do-it-yourself web guide that provides techniques for reducing unwanted junk mail, e-mail, and phone calls.

OnGuard Online
OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.

Get Human
A faster way to reach customer service. This site lets you search for major companies to find alternative contact information and avoid long waits to talk to the right person.

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Consumer Protection

Help for New Hampshire Homeowners: The Foreclosure Prevention Initiative
This site offers helpful advice and resources for New Hampshire homeowners who are having trouble fulfilling their mortgage obligations.

Consumer Protection at the Federal Trade Commission
Education is the first line of defense against fraud and deception. The FTC website can help you make well-informed decisions before you spend your money.

National Fraud Information Center
A project of the National Consumers League, this site is devoted to information about scams and how to prevent being taken advantage of by dishonest businesses.

Consumer Action Handbook
This site provides advice and consumer tips on: car repair, purchase, and leasing; shopping from home; avoiding consumer and investment fraud; home improvement and financing; choosing and using credit cards wisely; and much more.

Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau is an independent, non-profit organization that provides services to consumers and businesses.

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Cars: Buying, Fixing & Operating

Cars.com
Comprehensive information from the auto industry and consumer contributors covering all areas of interest to potential car buyers and sellers. Research makes and models, select your vehicle, and enter your ZIP code to find local inventory of new and used cars. Compare up to four vehicles at a glance in this online car lot.

Car Talk
National Public Radio's beloved program featuring useful car information.

Kelly Blue Book
Car Buying Guide

NADA
National Automobile Dealers Association web site with used car prices.

NH Lemon Law Assistance
Gotta lemon? Here's what you need to know and how to deal with the process leading back to a sweet deal.

RepairPal
This site offers free, realistic quotes for auto repairs by make and model and in a specific locality. Find the local going rate for repairs before you talk to the shop.

Roadwise Review
Roadwise Review is a free screening tool developed by AAA to help seniors measure certain mental and physical abilities important for safe driving. In as little as 30 minutes, you can identify and get further guidance on the physical and mental skills that need improvement. One needs Adobe to access the review.

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Product Reviews & Buyer's Guides

Consumers World
A very good site to help locate a number of consumer reviews and guides. The site is filled with links to great services. Take your time in navigating this site due to the vast amount of information. This site also contains a Price Checker to search online stores and report the best prices.

Consumer Search
This service offered by About.com provides the best reviews.

Epinions
Unbiased reviews by real people, including lots of top ten lists.

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Product Safety

Consumer Product Safety Commission
This is an excellent site containing information on product safety information and recalls.

Consumers Union
The publishers of Consumer Reports magazine offer tips and referrals.

Recalls
Check on current recalls or report a potential problem.

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Do-It-Yourself

Acme How To
Step-by-step instructions for home maintenance and troubleshooting problems around your home from appliance repair to PC problems. Ideal for new homeowners who are unsure how to maintain and repair to protect their investment and make things last.

eHow.com
Offers nuts-and-bolts answers to a large variety of "how do I.....?" questions. Includes information and step-by-step instructions, videos, citations, and references for everything from science fair projects to crafts to troublesome laundry problems.

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