Regulatory Groups and Consumer Protection Agencies Sources of Assistance Carmen Tarbush Georgia CTAE Resource Network 2010

The pyramid of problem resolution

Consumer Education You’re taking this class!

Self Regulation Do your homework. Research products and services prior to purchasing.

Regulatory Groups EXAMPLES: Consumer Reports is a magazine put out by Consumers Union. This is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. Consumer Research offers their insight on product use, expert use, and product quality.

Regulatory Groups EXAMPLES: Better Business Bureau is sponsored by local businesses. It offers a variety of consumer services at no charge to help with consumer complaints. It can provide consumer education materials, answer consumer questions, and provide general information about a company's consumer complaint record.

Regulatory Groups EXAMPLES: Consumer Action is a nonprofit, consumer education and advocacy center. It strives to help individual consumers assert their rights in the marketplace and to advance pro-consumer industry-wide change for the benefit of all. Consumer Action primarily achieves that mission by providing multi-lingual education, outreach, and advocacy services.

Regulatory Groups These are groups that watch over products and services, advocate for new laws, and/or protect consumers. Consumer Unions Consumer Product Testing Organizations

Government and Law Groups The national government typically takes a role in consumer protection when a product or service can be found in more than one state or when a product is manufactured and sent across state lines. The state government typically takes a role in consumer protection when a product is developed, manufactured, and sold in that state only. If there is a law already in place, the government can step in to regulate that law.

Government and Law Groups Examples: Federal Trade Commission is a federal agency that was formed to protect consumers against false advertising, illegal sales schemes, and all unfair trade practices. The Bureau of Consumer Protection works to prevent fraud, deception, and unfair business practices in the marketplace.

Government and Law Groups Examples: Food and Drug Administration is a federal agency that was formed to set and enforce safety standards for food, drugs, and cosmetics. They have the authority to stop the sale of an item under their jurisdiction, if it is found to be harmful or hazardous. They may also require safety warnings to be placed on harmful or hazardous products. This is the agency which tests new drugs and medications before they are put on the market.

Government and Law Groups Examples: Consumer Product Safety Commission is a federal agency that was formed to set and enforce safety standards of products such as household appliances, toys, and tools. If a product under the jurisdiction of the CPSC is found to be harmful or hazardous, they can prevent that product from being sold, or they can require the manufacturer to repair or replace the product. The CPSC will also investigate complaints from consumers about products.

Government and Law Groups Examples: Georgia’s Office of Consumer Affairs is devoted to regulating certain industries and protecting consumers who use goods and services from those industries.

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