Consumer Economics Chapter 5 Government Protection, Consumer Groups, and the Media Copyright©2009 Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business

Learning Objectives Explain how to contact an elected official List consumer functions of government agencies Discuss the reasons for regulation and deregulation Describe the three primary interests of consumer groups Explain the mission of consumer media

Introduction Government’s role in consumer protection Funding issues How consumer economics informs consumer protection

Ways to Contact Elected Officials Use you own paper and your own words State your problem or issue Refer to specific legislation Request a specific action Say if you live in the elected officials district Don’t use insulting words; be courteous Enclose copies of documentation

Agencies and Commissions Federal Trade Commission (FTS) Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Food and Drug Administration (FDC) Department of Agriculture (USDA) Department of Justice (DOJ) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Federal Consumer Information Center (FCIC) State Consumer Protection Local Consumer Protection

Injurious Consumption Occurs when individuals or groups make consumption decisions that have negative consequences or misuse of products in such a way as to cause injury to themselves or others. Regulation and deregulation issues Special interests Enlightened companies and consumer protection Nongovernmental pro-consumer groups

Consumer Publications Media Mix Consumer Reports

Chapter Summary How governments protect consumers Contacting elected state and federal officials How to complain List of government protection agencies Consult pro-consumer government websites