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| How can I get help with a
consumer problem? The Federal Consumer Information Center does not handle consumer complaints. We provide information through the publications that are listed in our Catalog. The Consumer Action Handbook, published by FCIC, lists federal, state, and local government offices with consumer related responsibilities. The Handbook also includes Better Business Bureaus, consumer contacts with corporations and trade associations, and tells how to write an effective complaint letter. You can view the Handbook online, order it via our internet ordering system, or by writing to: Handbook Pueblo, CO 81009 Another valuable resource is your local library. The reference section is likely to have materials to help answer your questions, and the librarian has been trained to assist you in finding the information you need on any subject. If you have questions about the Federal government, you can call FCIC's National Contact Center at (800) 688-9889, Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm eastern time. Users of text telephones (TDD/TTY) can also call toll-free by dialing (800) 326-2996.
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| How can I buy used federal
property (cars, real estate, office equipment, etc.)? Each agency has its own methods for disposing property. See the Federal Programs section of the Catalog for current publications on the subject. Also check the the U.S. Marshals Service National Sellers List for a list of contract service providers and federal agencies who have been authorized to sell forfeited property for the U.S. Marshals Service on a recurring basis.
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| Where can I go if I have a
car problem? See the listing of major car manufacturers in the Consumer Action Handbook. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has a free program to help automobile manufacturers and individual customers resolve disputes concerning alleged manufacturing defects. Thirty companies participate in this program, called BBB AUTO LINE. Acting as an impartial third party, the BBB utilizes conciliation and mediation techniques and, if needed, arbitration to help resolve problems. This informal, out-of-court settlement mechanism is free to consumers. BBB AUTO LINE is confined to disputes between consumers and automobile manufacturers involving alleged defects in a vehicle's material or workmanship. It does not handle disputes between consumers and automobile dealerships, automotive repair facilities, or automobile insurance companies. Problems other than alleged manufacturing defects can be directed to your local Better Business Bureau. For more information about filing a claim, call the BBB AUTO LINE program at (800) 955-5100.
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| How can I solve insurance
problems? Each state has its own laws and regulations for all types of insurance, including car, homeowner, and health insurance. See the Consumer Action Handbook for information on contacting the appropriate office in your state. Many of these offices can provide you with information to help you make informed insurance buying decisions. Your local library also will have information that can help you compare insurance companies before making a purchase. If you have a question or complaint about your insurance company's policies, contact the company before you contact the state insurance regulator.
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| Where can I learn more
about education grants and loans? For general information on student loans, grants, and scholarships available from the Department of Education, call toll-free (800) 433-3243. For information on a defaulted account, call the Default Line toll-free (800)621-3115.
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| Where can I find out more
about veteran's benefits, assistance, etc.? For Department of Veterans Affairs benefits information, call the VA's nationwide toll-free number: (800)827-1000 VA toll-free numbers for specific information are:
For information on the Agent Orange Registry or the Persian Gulf Registry, contact your nearest VA medical center, which you will find listed in the Blue Pages of your local telephone directory under U.S. Government.
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| How can I find out about
Social Security benefits? The Federal Consumer Information Center lists several publications on this subject. See the Federal Programs category in the current Consumer Information Catalog. Contact the Social Security Administration Office of Public Inquiries for additional information by calling toll-free (800) 772-1213.
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This service is provided by the Federal Citizen Information Center of the U.S. General Services Administration. If you have a comment or question, e-mail us. |
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