Consumer Protection Agencies and Resources

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MLRI

There are many agencies and associations which provide information and assistance to consumers and their advocates. The following is a partial listing.

  • National Consumer Law Center -- As described on their website, "The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) is the nation's consumer law expert, helping consumers, their advocactes, and public policy makers use powerful and complex consumer laws on behalf of low-ioncome and vulnerable Americans seeking economic justice."
  • Consumer Protection Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General -- The MA Attorney General may pursue your case against a business if a large segment of the public is affected similarly.  Alternatively, the AG may provide voluntary mediation services.
  • MA Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation --
  • Massachusetts Energy Assistance Programs  -- Information about energy assistance programs and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  Flyer will tell you who is eligible for help and where to go to get help in your community.  For more information, call the Heat Lilne at 1-800-632-8175 at the Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development.
  • Consumer Product Safety Commission (federal)
  • Internet Fraud Complaint Center (federal) -- IFCC provides a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of a suspected criminal or civil violation.
  • National Association of Consumer Advocates -- The NACA's Consumer Resources Center contains helpful articles, including "How to Solve Your Consuemr Problem" and "Catalogue of Deceptive Practices:  Car Cases."
  • The Consumer Action Website -- The site contains a sample complaint letter, listings of state and local consumer organizations, and tips on areas of interest to consumers.