[ Browse by Service Category : Consumer Services : Sub-Topics of Consumer Assistance and Protection (76) ]
Consumer Action Information/Support
Programs that provide information, advice and/or access to necessary forms for individuals who want to exercise their rights as consumers.
Consumer Complaints
Programs that provide mechanisms through which consumers can register complaints regarding specific problems they are having with consumer goods and services, and obtain assistance in achieving a satisfactory resolution.
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Consumer Education
Programs that utilize a wide variety of informational materials and techniques to increase the public's awareness of their rights and responsibilities as consumers of goods and services. The services may include information concerning federal and provincial consumer protection laws and regulatory agencies; advice regarding comparison shopping, use of consumer reports and buying guides, and other practices that help consumers make informed decisions and avoid problems before they occur; and education regarding the steps that need to be taken to resolve problems with unfair credit practices, defective products, shoddy repairs or workmanship or incompetent services.
Consumer Protection Agencies
Agencies established by federal, provincial, county or city officials, business or industry associations, the media or the private sector to provide consumer education and information and/or to handle consumer complaints regarding unfair or fraudulent business or credit practices, unsafe or poor quality goods, incompetent services or other similar problems; and to provide solutions through mediation, arbitration or public pressure.
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The above terms and definitions are part of the Taxonomy of Human Services, used here by permission of INFO LINE of Los Angeles.