Web Links

February 2006

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National Consumer Protection Week is February 5-11, 2006. Visit the official site and take the Grand Scam Challenge!

10 Tips for Financial Security from Consumer Reports provides tips on controlling your debt.

Invest Wisely in 2006, BBB Advises
This alert from the Better Business Bureau provides a list of "red flags" to look for with any investment opportunity.

Saving Starts @ Home
This site from the FTC is called "The Inside Story on Conserving Energy." It provides information on how you can save money in every room of your home.

January 2006

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It's winter. Here are winter tips for your home, your car and yourself.

What You Should Know about Winter Weather from the Centers for Disease Control has articles on Winter Storm Facts, Extreme Cold Prevention Guide, Protect Yourself form Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, When the Power Goes Out, FAQs, and related links.

Exercise and cold weather: Stay motivated, fit and safe from MayoClinic.com provides tips for choosing indoor exercise options and dressing properly and staying safe when exercising outdoors.

Winter Tips from the Alliance to Save Energy provides tips to cut energy bills and increase comfort in your home.

December 2005

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Returns: Prepare to be challenged from Consumer Reports describes some of changes to return policies many retailers are implementing.

Holiday Fire Safety: A Season for Sharing in Fire Safety is a factsheet from the U.S. Fire Administration. It has tips for preventing holiday tree fires, and safety with holiday lights, holiday decorations, and candles.

LooksTooGoodToBeTrue.com has lots of good information about numerous types of Internet scams and fraud. Categories include Identity Theft, Financial Fraud, Auction Fraud, Sweepstakes/Lottery Fraud, and Counterfeit Payments Fraud. It also has victim stories, FAQs/Tips, and Consumer Alerts. The site was developed and is maintained by a joint federal law enforcement and industry task force.

November 2005

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A Consumer Guide to Handling Disputes with Your Employer or Private Health Plan
This guide from Consumers Union and the Kaiser Family Foundation describes what you need to know about your health plan coverage and rules, how to prepare for informal and formal reviews and whether your state has an external review program.

OnGuard Online
This site from the federal government offers tips to help you guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer and protect your personal information. Topics covered include Identity Theft, Spyware, Phishing, Spam Scams, Online Shopping, P2P File-Sharing and VoIP.

Fuel Economy Guide
This guide is a useful tool for comparing vehicles but not for acurately predicting the miles per gallon a consumer will get when driving. This guide and additional information is available at fueleconomy.gov.

October 2005

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Reservation Rewards — and Rebate Risks
from Consumer Reports WebWatch describes risks associated with some online rebate offers and rewards.

Storm & Emergency Guide
A special section from Consumer Reports offering articles on rebuilding, personal finance, cars, security & safety, and travel.

AAA Fuel Cost Calculator
Use this site to calculate the estimated fuel cost of your trip. The site also lists regional gasoline averages.

Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness
This guide from FEMA provides detailed information on disaster preparedness with basic information and in-depth information for specific hazards.