Middletown Thrall Library: Consumer Information: Home
Select websites, online resources, and databases.
Databases and Online Research (Thrall Patrons Only)
- These online services are available to members of Thrall:
- Consumer Reports
- News, ratings, product reviews, and more.
- Financial Ratings Series Online
- Topics include: Automobile Insurance, Elder Care Choices, Health Savings Accounts, Homeowners Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, Medicare Supplement Insurance, Term Life Insurance, Variable Annuities.
Books and Other Library Items
Explore related items in the Thrall / RCLS library system catalog:
Websites
- AnnualCreditReport.com
- AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site to help consumers to obtain their free credit report and credit scores. Provided by Equifax, TransUnion, Experian, the official credit reporting agencies. See also Credit Reporting Agencies below.
- Bankrate.com
- Compare mortgage rates, CDs, loans, credit cards, and more.
- Better Business Bureau
- Access business and consumer alerts, charity reports, membership lists as well as online complaint forms. Includes U.S. and Canada.
- Charity Navigator
- Explore charities, view ratings, explore "Tips for Giving in Times of Crisis," and more.
- Consumer.gov
- "Get the basics on how to make a budget, use credit, avoid scams, and more."
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- "The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a 21st century agency that implements and enforces Federal consumer financial law and ensures that markets for consumer financial products are transparent, fair, and competitive."
- Consumer Price Index (CPI)
- "The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. Indexes are available for the U.S. and various geographic areas. Average price data for select utility, automotive fuel, and food items are also available."
- Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
- CPSC was created to "protect the public against unreasonable risks of injuries and deaths associated with consumer products." Site includes product recalls, consumer research, hotline and contact lists.
- Credit Reporting Agencies
- See also AnnualCreditReport.com, a website sponsored by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- Edmunds Used Car Value
- A "free appraisal tool" suggesting vehicle values. See also Kelley Blue Book below.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Targets public health and environmental issues caused by pollution such as radon exposure, pesticides, toxic chemicals and second-hand smoke. Offers ways you and your community can protect the environment.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- FTC enforces federal antitrust and consumer protection laws. Emphasis on consumer education including telephone and online scams, bogus business opportunities, timeshare, leasing, credit card fraud and more. Includes current news releases and regional office information.
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- FDA monitors and ensures the safety and effectiveness of food, cosmetics, medicine and medical devices. Includes hot-lines, FAQs, brochure, an index and is searchable.
- Fraud.org
- "Fraud.org is a project of the National Consumers League (NCL), a nonprofit advocacy organization. Thousands of consumer complaints are collected by the Fraud.org staff and shared with our network of more than 90 law enforcement partners."
- IdentityTheft.gov
- Report identity theft and get a recovery plan. This site is the federal government's one-stop resource for identity theft victims and provides streamlined checklists and sample letters to guide you through the recovery process.
- Kelley Blue Book
- A "free appraisal tool" suggesting vehicle values. See also Edmunds above.
- MyMoney.gov
- Learn about earning, saving, investing, borrowing, and more.
- New York State Attorney General: Consumer Complaint Forms
- Submit complaints concerning consumer products, services, housing/real estate, and more.
- New York State Do Not Call (DNC) Registry
- "The Do Not Call (DNC) Registry allows you to register your landline and cell phone number in one central database to limit the telemarketing calls you receive. "
- New York State, Division of Consumer Protection
- "The New York State Division of Consumer Protection educates and empowers New York's consumers." File a complaint online, check out recalls and alerts, register for the Do Not Call Registry, and find the number for the Consumer Helpline.
- New York State Lemon Law
- "Here we describe the circumstances under which an owner may be eligible for help under New York’s Lemon Laws. You can find more information, including steps to take, frequently asked questions and a copy of the law, elsewhere on our website--or call our hotline to have copies sent to you."
- Online Privacy and Security
- "Understanding online privacy, how to protect your devices from hackers and threats, and how to avoid common online scams." From FTC.gov.
- U.S. Treasury Currency Exchange Rates Converter
- "Check foreign currency rates against the U.S. Dollar."