Consumer Issues

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• Federal Trade Commission

  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) works to ensure that the nation’s markets are vigorous, efficient and free of restrictions that harm consumers.

• CTLawHelp.org: Self-Help Guides for Consumers

  A project of the Connecticut Network for Legal Aid, this page offers easy-to-understand information about issues affecting consumers including bankruptcy, collection and repossession, credit practices and reports, security deposits, small claims court, and more.

• National Charities Information Bureau

  The Alliance reports on nationally soliciting charitable organizations that are the subject of donor inquiries.

• National Fraud Information Center

  The NFIC was originally established in 1992 by the National Consumers League, the oldest nonprofit consumer organization in the United States, to fight the growing menace of telemarketing fraud by improving prevention and enforcement.

• Consumer Education Brochures from the National Consumer Law Center

  The NCLC's free, downloadable brochures offer basic information for consumers on the most critical consumer issues, including predatory lending, debt collection, credit reports, lemon laws, bankruptcy, foreclosure, payday loans, predatory mortgage loans, credit card debt, living trust scams, telemarketing fraud, refinancing, loss of utility services and other issues.

• DISCLAIMER

  The following resources are not created, recommended or endorsed by the Office of the Attorney General, but are provided as resources that may offer additional information or assistance. External links will open in a new window and you will be redirected to a third-party website

• Public Interest Research Group

  U.S. PIRG is an advocate for the public interest. When consumers are cheated, or our natural environment is threatened, or the voices of ordinary citizens are drowned out by special interest lobbyists, U.S. PIRG speaks up and takes action.

• A Consumer Guide to Travel Scams

  By arming yourself with some basic knowledge about the travel industry, you can protect yourself from becoming the victim of a travel scam.

• The Fake Check/Sweepstakes Scam

  An unsolicited and official-looking check arrives in your mailbox. Before you cash that check, learn more about this common scam with these Quick Tips.

• Mortgage Assistance Scams

  These scams usually begin with an offer that seems too good to be true but, in all scenarios, the homeowner ends up in a worse financial situation and often loses the home. Use these Quick Tips to learn how to avoid mortgage assistance scams.

• Mortgage Scam: Spanish-Speaking Homeowners Targeted

  A nationwide scam operating from the Dominican Republic, but pretending to be based out of Chicago, was calling Spanish-speaking distressed homeowners in the United States. Use these Quick Tips to learn about the scam and to avoid falling victim.

• The “Grandparents” Scam

  Seniors are so often the targets of family emergency scams that they’ve earned the nickname, “the grandparents scam.” Before you send money, take a deep breath and do some quick checking to make sure you don’t fall victim.

• The Imposter Scams

  A prerecorded phone call tells you that you that you owe tax money and will be arrested, prosecuted or face other legal action if you do not immediately send funds. Before you act, read these Quick Tips to avoid falling victim to this pervasive, nationwide scam.

• Identity Theft

  These days, you can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your identity. Help protect your identity, and learn where to turn if you've fallen victim to an identity thief, with these Quick Tips.

• Phishing

  “Phishing" is the fraudulent attempt by individuals to obtain personally identifiable information from the public at large by sending millions of emails randomly to anyone with an email address. Learn how to avoid phishing scams with these Quick Tips.