Pollard Memorial Library

Consumer Information
on the Web

Sites with a checkmarkare highly recommended by the Library.

Note: These pages contain links to Internet sites maintained and controlled by third parties. The Pollard Memorial Library does not operate or control the content of these sites. While they are included for their informational value and the convenience of our users, inclusion does not constitute any endorsement by The Pollard Memorial Library.

General

• Bankrate.com - Rates for mortgages, credit cards, car loans, and bank accounts collected from over 4000 financial institutions.
• Better Business Bureau - Business reports and information.
• BBB Wise Giving Alliance - Guide to charities that meet the Bureau's standards.
• Consumer Product Safety Commission - Recall information with forms to report unsafe products.
• Consumer Protection - Consumer alerts from the Federal Trade Commission. File complaints online.
• FDA Home Page - U.S. Government site with consumer education, product recall information, programs, and more.
• Federal Consumer Information Center
• FOIAdvocates - This site on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) has a guide to state public records laws, sample FOIA request and appeal letters, links to the text of the act and other online resources, a bibliography, and a FAQ. From a legal firm specializing in FOIA issues.
• Household Products Database - Health and safety information about household products.
• Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure - Lists every professional licensed to practice in MA.
• Massachusetts Do Not Call Program
• Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services - Find licensed child care providers in Massachusetts.
• Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs - Consumer alerts, license information, and consumer protection.
• SATH: Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality - Information about travel for people with various disabilities.
• U.S. Consumer Gateway - Consumer information from the Federal Government.

Product Reviews

• Applicance 411 - Information about choosing applicances and repair information.
• ConsumerGuide
• Consumer Reports - An online version of this consumer magazine. Some pages are available only to subscribers.
• Consumer Search - Product reviews and reports.
• Consumer World

Automobiles

• Car Smart - "A consumer's guide to buying, leasing & repairing a car in Massachusetts."
• Cars.com - Most complete car sales megasite.
• Car Talk - NPR's Car Talk guys Tom and Ray Magliozzi.
• The Center for Auto Safety - Publications, legislation information, and "lemon laws."
• Edmunds Car Buying Guide - Resources for evaluating and buying a car.
• GasPriceWatch - A consumer advocacy site about gas prices.
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
• Kelly Blue Book - Car value and pricing guide.
• NADA Guides - Car value and pricing guide.
• SaferCar.gov - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety ratings

Real Estate

• Real Estate Webliography - A collection of websites and books for buying and selling a home, selected by the library.
• Zillow.com - Free, instant valuations and data for homes.

Shopping

• Amazon.com - Online retailer for books, movies, music, and lots more.
• Froogle - Smart shopping through Google.
• Overstock.com - Online auctions for overstocked items.
• My Product Advisor - Receive an unbiased list of product recommendations based on your individual preferences.
• mySimon - Online price comparisons, store & product reviews.